World’s Fair Magic Returns To Corona Park
Tens of thousands packed Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on Sunday, May 18, for the World’s Fair Anniversary Festival, celebrating the diamond and golden jubilees of the 1939-40 and 1964-65 international expositions held where the park was developed. According to Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council, an estimated 110,000 turned out for a day full of activities, from inflatable rides for children to a Built It exhibit at the Queens Theatre in which youngsters constructed LEGO models of 1964 fair structures, such as the New York State Pavilion. There were long lines at a number of food trucks and stands selling fare from all over the world, including Belgian waffles, Jamaican jerk chicken and classic American barbecue. Nostalgia was also in the air as guests perused memorabilia from the two fairs and classic automobiles, including the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang (which debuted at the fair) and the Batmobile from the classic Batman television series. The Unisphere-the iconic stainless steel symbol of the 1964 fair-served as the festival’s central hub, and guests enjoyed seeing its fountains in full burst toward sunset. The festival wrapped up with concerts by The Liverpool Shuffle, a Beatles tribute band; and the Queens Symphony Orchestra, whose music accompanied a fireworks extravaganza after nightfall.
