1983 was not without its lighter, happier stories. One of these concerned a spectacular celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a terrific party. About 2 million people were on hand, among them Correspondent Carol Brooks ...
Carol Brooks: "It was one of the biggest parties the City has ever seen, and as New York City Mayor Ed Koch put it … "
Mayor Ed Koch: "'It is an event that can never happen again!'"
Carol Brooks: "And some of the spectators put it this way … "
Unknown Speaker: "'This is one of the most exciting evenings I've had in New York.'"
Unknown Speaker: "'I love it.'"
Unknown Speaker: "'This is great.'"
Unknown Speaker: "'A wonderful time.'"
Carol Brooks: "There was a street fair featuring dancers and music, and a parade of harbor craft sounded horns as they sailed up the East River … "
"'(Honking horns.)'"
Carol Brooks: "'But the most spectacular event was the huge fireworks display that lit up the sky as the night drew to a close … "
"'(Background noises.)'"
Carol Brooks: "And all of this was to say … "
Unknown Speaker: "'Happy Birthday, Brooklyn Bridge.'"
Carol Brooks: "Carol Brooks, New York."
Jenny Cossola: The year also saw the selection of the first black Miss America. Vanessa Williams, who represented New York State in the pageant, hopes the exposure will help her launch a career on Broadway.
That famous thoroughfare said goodbye in 1983 to the musical show "Annie", which closed after more than 2300 performances and almost 6 years on Broadway.
(Music.)
Ed Karrens: And so the year is finished, and those events that shaped and changed the lives of so many are now part of history.
(Music.)
Unknown Speaker: You've been listening to 1983 in Review. The program was written by Ed Karrens, produced by Ed Karrens and Ken Robbins. 1983 in Review is a production of the UPI Radio Network.
(Music.)
