The whole world is invited…literally.
On Sunday, May 26, fun-loving types will gather for 1964 World’s Fanfare, Part I at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
At 2 pm, they will march past several World’s Fair historical sites where popup dance performances, music, and an Aikido demonstration will take place.
The organizers – Queensboro Dance Festival, Queens Theatre, Queens Tourism Council, and Untapped New York – will provide international flags. Plus, participants are encouraged to bring their own banners and wear traditional clothing from their heritages.
Click here to register. Everything is free. The idea is to recreate the flag display at the Court of Nations during the 1964 World’s Fair, which actually lasted through 1965.
All of It
1964 World’s Fanfare, Part I is one activity in Theaterama!, a series of monthly performances taking place from April through October to honor the World’s Fair’s 60th anniversary.
After the May 26 event, the next one is Armstrong at the World’s Fair Revisited at Queens Theatre’s Shulman Theater on Sunday, June 3, at 3 pm. Two-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter Alphonso Horne and the Gotham Kings will showcase their talent and passion for Louis Armstrong’s music to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Satchmo’s iconic concert at the Fair.
Then, Theaterama! continues with Modern Ruin at Queens Theatre’s Shulman Theater on Sunday, July 14, at 3 pm. Directed by Matthew Silva, this documentary chronicles the New York State Pavilion’s rise and demise. After the screening, Silva and Bill Cotter, co-author of The 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Queens World Film Festival Executive Director Katha Cato.
The fun continues when Queensboro Dance Festival presents outdoor performances by Queens-based troupes during 1964 World’s Fanfare, Part II at the Unisphere on Sunday, Aug. 4, at 6 pm. The dances will represent cultures that were present at the Fair.
Then on Sunday, Sept. 22, Queens Theatre will host Taste the World’s Fare! at 3 pm. Attendees will eat the Fair’s big hits, including Belgian waffles, falafel, Coca-Cola, and sangria.
The final event is World’s Fair Plays – Revisited at Queens Theatre’s Shulman Theater on Sunday, Oct. 27. A full announcement will come this Summer, but the plan is to present readings of plays inspired by the World’s Fairs.
Editor’s note: The Japanese martial art Aikido was first introduced to the United States during the 1964 World’s Fair.
A second editor’s note: Theaterama was the name for the World’s Fair venue that is now Queens Theatre.
Images: Queensboro Dance Festival