The 50th anniversary of Sesame Street continues, and this weekend New York City will celebrate in style.
This Sunday, the Empire State Building will be lit in yellow and green in honor of the iconic Sesame Street sign.
At a special advance lighting ceremony held today, the Mayor’s Office of New York City declared it “Caroll Spinney Day” in honor of the puppeteer who performed Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the debut of Sesame Street in 1969. Spinney, who recently retired from the role, was in attendance to receive an official proclamation from Anne del Castillo, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Big Bird flipped the ceremonial switch.
“From the very beginning, New York City has been our hometown, as well as the physical and emotional inspiration for Sesame Street,” says Steve Youngwood, president of media and education and chief operating officer, Sesame Workshop. “We are thrilled to celebrate our milestone anniversary with the Mayor’s Office and the landmark Empire State Building — partners who also celebrate diversity, embrace innovation and encourage us all to reach for the skies.”
Earlier this year, the corner of 63rd and Broadway in New York City was given the honorary distinction of being named Sesame Street in honor of the series’ legacy.