Paul Anka

Just after 8:00 on the evening of October 1st, with a large group of dapperly dressed guests gathered in Grand Army Plaza below, a 12-foot cake shining in the spotlight amidst them, and a small cast of hosts counting down from ten on stage, the first sparks of light erupted from the rooftop of The Plaza hotel. They flared into the air and then were followed by others of their kind, exploding from different roof levels in the building. Some shot out of windows, others stayed along the surface of the facade creating spiraling sparkles of light against the hotel. At the finale, the building appeared to explode, as small fireworks shot out of every window and rooftop with a burst of light.  read more »

Did you know The Plaza was turning 100 this coming month? Paul Anka knew! Matthew Broderick knew! They're both going to be on hand, apparently, to celebrate the momentous event. Once upon a time it was a lovely hotel your middle-class mother took you to for tea once a year (hey, Carmela! Welcome back!) Now it's a condominium you can't afford to live in. So break out the Grucci fireworks, the 12-foot birthday cake, and ... the Orchestra of St. Luke's!

Read the full press release after the jump.  read more »