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Original Batmobile, Mrs. Met and Music Planned for World's Fair Party

By Katie Honan | May 15, 2014 8:46am
 An aerial shot of the 1964 World's Fair.
An aerial shot of the 1964 World's Fair.
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NYC Parks Photo Archive

CORONA — Holy World's Fair Batman!

The world returns to Queens on Sunday for a massive celebration of the fairs in 1939 and 1964, including fireworks, live music, historical tours and an appearance by Mrs. Met and the original Batmobile from the 1960 series.

The World's Fair Anniversary Festival is a two-part event that will revisit the past glory of the two events, which are celebrating their 75th and 50th anniversaries on Sunday, May 18.

Daytime festivities kick off at 1 p.m. and include inflatable rides, crafts and roving magicians for kids — as well as an appearance by both Mr. Met and his elusive wife, Mrs. Met.

History fans can take guided tours of some of the most historic spots in the park, and the Tent of Tomorrow which drew a line of people that stretched across the highway when it opened in April for a few hours — will re-open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m.

There will be a classic car show, featuring historic cars from the 1960s as well as the original Batmobile.

The Queens Library's Memory Project will allow locals to share their memories of the fair, and even scan photos to keep them on record — so those with pictures are encouraged to bring them on Sunday.

In the evening, the party shifts to a larger stage where a Beatles tribute band will play sets reminiscent of the Fab Four's legendary 1964 concert at Shea Stadium.

Then the Queens Symphony Orchestra will play two performances, including a portion of a movement made specifically for the 1964 fair.

A 10-minute fireworks show over the Tent of Tomorrow and the Unisphere concludes the event, which Park Administrator Janice Melnick predicts will draw thousands. 

The big crowd that came to anniversary events in April showed her how beloved the fairs were to so many, and she anticipates an even better event on Sunday.

"It just became this happening, and we certainly anticipate that happening again," she said.