Workers assemble a huge white marquee in upstate Rhinebeck yesterday (SPLASH NEWS)
Chelsea Clinton’s future father-in-law said he’s thrilled about her upcoming wedding — and very “grateful” to be part of it, despite a dark criminal past.
“I’m a proud papa,” teary-eyed former Iowa Rep. Ed Mezvinsky told “Inside Edition” in a story broadcast last night about his son Marc’s imminent nuptials with the former first daughter. “The family’s excited.”
“These are two wonderful human beings that have sensitivity about life and have a warm regard for family, and that’s what it’s really all about,” said Mezvinsky, after getting a haircut in Rhinebeck, NY, where the star-studded wedding will be held Saturday at the Astor Courts estate.
PHOTOS: CHELSEA CLINTON AND MARC MEZVINSKY
Mezvinsky, 73, was convicted in 2003 of several acts of fraud. Prosecutors called him a one-man “crime wave” who routinely pulled business scams that netted him $10 million in ill-gotten loot.
He said that after his 2008 release from federal prison he rebuilt his relationship with Marc and the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and current Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“I’m remorseful for what happened,” Mezvinsky said. “It was a terrible time, and I was punished for that. And I respect that and accept responsibility for what happened, and now I’m trying to move on and am grateful I have the opportunity for that.”
He called the lavish wedding, which could cost an estimated $3 million or more, “a rather special occasion and I’m grateful I can be part of it.”
Rhinebeck locals also are grateful that Saturday’s shindig is being held in their pretty, upstate town along the Hudson River — although anyone associated with it is under strict orders not to talk to the press.
“It’s wonderful, it’s great,” said John Tisch, a museum curator who lives in town. “It brings a lot of excitement to the community at a time when we can use it.
“Everyone is smiling, except those folks caught in the traffic jams.”
Shopkeepers are happy about what’s causing those traffic backups — potential customers — and are looking to cash in on the craze for anything Clinton. Many stores were displaying well-wishing signs with messages such as “Congrats” or “Mazel Tov, Marc and Chelsea.”
At Rhinebeck Deli yesterday, counterman Rick Newkirk was offering several newly created sandwich specials: Chelsea’s Choice, Bill’s All-American and Hillary’s The Secretary of State.
“My boss came up with the idea while drinking a beer,” Newkirk said. “He wanted to do something to commemorate the wedding of the decade.”