Party at Queen Mary to Mark Vessel’s 20 Years in Long Beach

On Wednesday, the Queen Mary will celebrate 20 years as one of Long Beach’s attractions with a gala party. Anyone who proves that he has lived or worked in Long Beach within the last 20 years--by showing a driver’s license or pay stub--will be admitted free to the Queen Mary/Spruce Goose Entertainment Complex.

All guests who visit the complex will receive a commemorative button, a complimentary piece of “berthday” cake and a coupon good for a return visit at 25% off admission. Hours will be extended to 8 p.m. aboard the Queen Mary. The Spruce Goose will close at 6 p.m. Both attractions open at 10 a.m.

Long Beach Mayor Ernie Kell and Joseph F. Prevratil, president of Wrather Port Properties Ltd., will be on hand to take part in a 3 p.m. ceremony at the bow of the Queen Mary, highlighted by the Goodyear Blimp and the new Port of Long Beach fireboats. A giant cake of the Queen Mary also will be on display.

The entertainment complex will open a new exhibit highlighting the ocean liner’s last great cruise, a six-week trip that began on Oct. 31, 1967, at Southhampton, England, and went around Cape Horn to Long Beach.

The Queen Mary Club, an official committee of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a gala, black-tie optional dinner and dance in the ship’s Grand Salon beginning at 6 p.m. The dinner will culminate a day-long celebration saluting the ship’s 20 years in Long Beach. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 634-1258.