Seattle Center’s 60th Anniversary Celebrates what is New, Now & Next
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SEATTLE – Six decades ago the Century 21 Exposition, also known as the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, attracted nearly 10 million attendees during its six-month run and put Seattle on the world’s map. This Thursday, Seattle Center, the site of the World’s Fair, celebrates 60 years of growth as Seattle’s hub for arts and community gatherings, commemorating what is “New, Now & Next,” the theme of the celebration.
Seattle Center and its more than 30 resident organizations kick off the six-month celebration of its 60th anniversary date, Thursday, April 21 – beginning at 10:30 a.m. – at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall mainstage. The public event, featuring brief remarks from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams, Pacific Northwest Ballet Executive Director Ellen Walker, will honor the Center’s history and provide a look forward to the future of the 74-acre campus.
The celebration will include music by DJ Mike Steve and a spoken word performance by youth poet laureate Zinnia Hansen, as well as a few locals sharing a 60th birthday with the Seattle World’s Fair – who will receive a special gift and be on hand for a rendition of “Happy Birthday” by the Seattle Opera with a piano accompanist at 11 a.m., the exact time the gates opened to the world 60 years ago. Birthday cupcakes, from Trophy Cupcakes will be served to those attending the festivities – and as a throwback to the “World’s Largest Birthday Cake” unveiled at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, a giant cutout of the cake will be available for photos.
TIME/DATE: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., Thursday, April 21
LOCATION: Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall
CONTACTS:
Meghan McLaughlin, meghan.mclaughlin-c@seattle.gov // 206.293.4110
Randy Hurlow, randy@whyforgood.com // 206.778.5523
A free green-screen photo booth featuring keepsake photos via digital download will be available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 in The Armory as well, and children are invited to color the “World’s Largest Birthday Cake” from the 1962 World’s Fair, in a contest to win a pack of children’s prizes. The contest runs April 21-May 22, 2022. The coloring sheet and contest rules are available at the Seattle Center customer service desk or via download at www.seattlecenter.com/connect/contests.
For more information about Seattle Center’s history and 60th anniversary events and contests, visit www.seattlecenter.com/connect/60th-anniversary.
About Seattle Center:
Seattle Center is celebrating 60 years with all that is “New, Now, and Next” as Seattle’s hub for arts, sports, community events, and cultural festivals. Originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the dynamic 74-acre campus has transformed over the years to respond to, reflect, and represent the region’s ever-broadening community. Seattle Center and its iconic International Fountain are often referred to as the “Heart of Seattle,” serving as a treasured community gathering place where the local, regional, national, and international visitors come together every day. Today more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations reside on the grounds, along with a diverse variety of public programs and thousands of events attracting more than 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, part of Uptown Arts & Cultural District and home to Climate Pledge Arena, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences, and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.864 billion in business activity and $631 million in labor income.
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