Space Needle Celebrates 40 Years as Seattle's Icon.

News/Entertainment Editors, City Desks, Travel Writers

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2002

Landmark to Recreate World's Fair Look and Feel with

1962 Gold Paint Job, Retro Menu, `62 Movie, Brothers

Four & Kingsmen Concert, New Book and More

The Space Needle, known worldwide as the symbol of Seattle, is bringing the magic of the 1962 World's Fair back to the city every day in April as part of the Landmark's monthlong 40th Anniversary celebration.

Repainting the Space Needle its original color, unveiling a special 1962 menu at SkyCity, displaying a collection of World's Fair and Space Needle memorabilia, presenting a special concert by `60s groups The Brothers Four and The Kingsmen, hosting a screening of a popular movie from the era and debuting the new "The Space Needle: Symbol of Seattle" book are all part of the festivities.

The most visible element of the Space Needle's 40th Anniversary celebration will be the "new" paint job the tower is getting. For the month of April, the Landmark's pagoda roof will go retro -- once again becoming adorned in Galaxy Gold, the primary color from the original "Century 21"-themed paint scheme.

Another special treat is the re-emergence of items from the original 1962 menu, including Swedish Meat Balls Casserole, Herb Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie, Chopped Salisbury Steak and Baked Alaska. The three-course meal -- which comes with a commemorative placemat from the Space Needle's earliest restaurant, Eye of the Needle -- is priced at $19.62 and will be available throughout April.

"It's hard to believe that it's been 40 years since our elevators made their first run to the Observation Deck," said Dean Nelson, president and CEO of the Space Needle Corporation. "April is going to be a special time for us and we're very excited to showcase our heritage and provide our guests with an experience unlike any other."

One such experience is that guests will be able to view a World's Fair and Space Needle memorabilia exhibit being organized and displayed by the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) at locations throughout the 605-foot tower. As part of the exhibition, MOHAI and the Space Needle are conducting a special "World's Fair Memories" contest where individuals can recount stories about what happened to them at the World's Fair ... meeting a future spouse in the Bubbleator, kids getting lost in the Food Circus, accidentally stumbling into Gracie Hansen's "adult" show.

World's Fair memories may be sent via email to [e-mail], by fax to 206/324-1346, or by mail to It Happened at the World's Fair c/o MOHAI, 2700 24th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112. Voicemail messages with memories may also be left by calling 206/324-1126, ext. 21. Those who share their memories will become eligible for prizes courtesy of MOHAI and the Space Needle.

In addition to the monthlong activities, the Space Needle has also planned four not-to-be-missed events that showcase the splendor of the Century 21 Exhibition (a.k.a. Seattle World's Fair):

-- Brothers Four and Kingsmen Concert - The Space Needle is teaming up with
Experience Music Project to rekindle the sounds of the World's Fair era with
special performances by `60s favorites The Brothers Four and The Kingsmen. The
"reunion" concert, featuring both bands, will be held Sunday, April 7,
beginning at 3 p.m. in the corridor between EMP and the Space Needle. The event
is free of charge.

-- 1962 Movie Screening - As part of its 40th Anniversary celebration, the
Space Needle will host a special screening of a popular film from 1962. The
film will be shown Saturday, April 13 at dusk on a screen erected at the base
of the Space Needle. The event is free of charge.

-- "The Space Needle: Symbol of Seattle" Book Signing - On April 21 -- the
official 40th Anniversary date -- the Space Needle will unveil a new book
entitled "The Space Needle: Symbol of Seattle." The story traces the history of
the Space Needle from its beginnings as a drawing on a placemat to its
"grand-reopening" and $20 million revitalization in 2000 and 2001. Author
Robert Spector will be on hand to sign copies of the new book from 1 to 3 p.m.
that day.

-- 1962 Car Show - On April 21, the Space Needle and KBSG 97.3 FM will host a
1962 Car Show, with vehicles displayed around the base of the tower. Guest
votes will help determine the winner.

All those who visit the Space Needle during April will receive a commemorative reprint of the front page from a "World's Fair" edition of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

"Just as when it opened in 1962, the Space Needle today helps point the way to the future," added Nelson. "And to do it right, we need to embrace our heritage and remind everyone what the Space Needle is all about. We're all very excited about the possibility of bringing people who may not have been here in some time back into our midst and to show them what they've been missing."

The Space Needle officially opened on April 21, 1962 -- the first day of the World's Fair. It remains the most popular attraction in the Pacific Northwest today.