Anniversary Gala

2004 marked the 65th anniversary of the 1939 World's Fair and the 40th anniversary of the 1964 World's Fair, the two events that created what is now Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Commemorating the two New York World's Fairs and celebrating the park that hosted them, Flushing Meadows Corona Park hosted a World's Fair Anniversary Gala on April 15, 2004 at Terrace on the Park (known as the Heliport during the '64 World's Fair.) The event included a dinner/dance featuring cuisine from the countries with pavilions at the World's Fairs, and music spanning the decades from 1939 through the present. Although it was a black tie event, guests were encouraged to wear attire from 1939 or 1964 as an alternative. There were exhibits of World's Fair memorabilia and screenings of World's Fair documentary films. Those who attended a World's Fair were invited to record their reminiscences in a collective journal. A souvenir journal recognizing event sponsors and honorees was distributed, and a silent auction was held.

Time Warner publicized the event on NY 1, and all local newspapers ran printed announcements and pictures.

A portion of the proceeds from the event were used to initiate the preservation of the New York State Pavilion, the tallest pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair and the greatest relic in Flushing Meadows Corona Park from the 1964 World's Fair. Over 800 guests were present. The honorees included: The honorable Deputy Mayor Daniel L. Doctoroff, the honorable Former Borough President Claire Shulman, and Mr. Fred Wilpon, owner of the NY METS.