The Next Fifty 2012 Launches Virtual Site, Honors Space Needle

Forty-eight years after the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, planning for the 50th anniversary celebration, The Next Fifty Seattle 2012, begins with a virtual launch and new website www.thenextfifty.org.  In honor of the launch the Space Needle will turn on the legacy beam and the Pacific Science Center will up light the historic arches in red, yellow and green, the colors of The Next Fifty. Both the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center are iconic community assets, designed and built for the 1962 World's Fair. 

The launch includes the creation of a new, highly interactive website and planning activity hub. The new website, www.thenextfifty.org, offers many options for participation, including a Brainstorm Wall that encourages virtual visitors to submit their ideas for the 2012 celebration; a Time Capsule that allows them to post photos, videos and other memories of the 1962 World's Fair; The Next Fifty Buzz, special activities announced on the 21st of each month; and an online store offering The Next Fifty merchandise for sale in support of the celebration. People may also sign up online for more information or to volunteer for the celebration.

Visitors may also engage through the World's Fair Gallery, opening on April 21 in Center House. The Gallery exhibits artifacts from the 1962 World's Fair, maintains an interactive kiosk with The Next Fifty website and offers The Next Fifty merchandise for sale. Hours of operation are Thursday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Today's virtual launch date of April 21 marks the 48th anniversary of the World's Fair. The 1962 World's Fair was one of the most profound events in Seattle's history. It triggered an unprecedented era of innovation, inspiration and growth.

The 50th anniversary maintains the spirit sparked by the Fair in challenging our community to envision the next fifty years. The six month celebration explores decisive sectors of regional development and global leadership, including: art, culture and design; sustainability; global health, science and technology; learning; commerce and the innovation economy and civic action.

"Our hope is that people become engaged. They join our email list, become fans on Facebook, share ideas and memories. We plan to harness this energy into a 50th anniversary that truly celebrates the achievements of our region and helps to shape the next 50 years," said Seattle Center Foundation Executive Director Tracy Robinson.

Seattle Center Foundation encourages the community to become involved in the 50th anniversary planning and sharing of ideas. For more information on the initiative, visit www.thenextfifty.org, email 50@seattlecenter.org or call 206 684-7345.

Seattle Center Foundation was established in 1977 to promote the community engagement and development of Seattle Center, a civic center owned and operated by the City of Seattle. Since that time, Seattle Center Foundation has brought millions of private dollars to enhance the Center, from Marion Oliver McCaw Hall and Fisher Pavilion, to outdoor sculptures such as the Olympic Iliad and Black Lighting, and the iconic International Fountain. Currently Seattle Center Foundation is planning the 50th Anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair and asking all citizens to be part of planning - The Next Fifty.

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