Broadcast Bash 2024 and a Martian Bike Ride will commemorate the 86th anniversary of Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds radio play with events in West Windsor, New Jersey, October 26-27.
The October 30, 1938 broadcast by the Mercury Theatre on the Air thrust Grovers Mill, NJ, and surrounding Mercer County into the national spotlight as the supposed landing site of an alien invasion. The realistic presentation convinced some listeners that the U.S. was under attack by men from Mars.
The West Windsor Arts Council and the Historical Society of West Windsor organized a successful Broadcast Bash last year to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the War of the Worlds broadcast. This year’s celebration is set for Saturday, October 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at West Windsor Arts. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for ages 4 years and under.
Activities for all ages planned by the arts council include:
Halloween crafts and snacks for all ages.
• Improv theater games led by Tim Moran inspired by the radio show and the invasion
• Several of mini-Martian mascot sculptures will be on view.
• Artists Eric Schultz, who created the 12-foot Martian sculpture outdoors at the art center, and Robert Hummel, who has made several paintings inspired by the broadcast including the one at Grover’s Mill Coffee, will also be on hand to talk about their art and display current works.
Tickets and more information on the event may be found at westwindsorarts.org/event/broadcast-bash-2024-86/
Meanwhile, Grovers Mill Coffee Co. is offering a free live performance of the War of the Worlds broadcast featuringMichael Jarmus on Saturday, October 26, beginning at 7 p.m. Further details may be found on their Facebook page, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063507552383
In addition, the Historical Society of West Windsor has organized a Martian Bike Ride on Sunday, October 27, that explores Grovers Mill and the sites mentioned in the War of the Worlds broadcast. The nine-mile guided tour begins at the Grovers Mill Coffee House.
“This includes visiting the infamous water tower that. according to legend, a drunken farmer shot at thinking it was an alien,” said Paul Ligeti, president of the historical society.
The ride is free, but reservations are required. More information, including a route map, can be found at westwindsorhistory.com/mars.html
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