Celebrate Barbie’s 50th Birthday All Summer Long

It looks like it is going to be a Barbie Paradise in Delray Beach this summer. Did you know that she will be 50 years old this year? From the basic Barbie to the Acupuncture Barbie, she’s been all over.

And how much do you really know about Barbie? Here are some fun facts:

• Barbie was born in Willows, Wisconsin and attended Willows High School (ooh… a Midwestern girl like me).
• Her real name is Barbie Millicent Roberts.
• Barbie was introduced in 1959 and she first appeared a black-and-white striped swimsuit and sported a ponytail.
• The first Barbie sold for $3.00.
• Barbie’s first boyfriend was Ken when he debuted in 1961. They stayed together until Valentine’s Day in 2004.
• The best-selling Barbie ever created was the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, with her hair extending from the top of her head to her toes (remember the old commercial).
• She has worn clothes from over 70 countries and had over 108 careers.

This is the year to celebrate and the Cornell Museum located at 51 N Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach has a summer packed with Barbie-related activities. She will be on exhibit from June 25th – October 25th 2009. To kick her birthday year off in style, the museum will be hosting a kickoff party.

Here’s the schedule of events for the summer:

Thursday, June 25th: Join in for the Barbie’s Back and She’s 50 Party. There will be a member’s reception from 5:30 – 7:30 and the public is invited in from 7-9:00 pm. This event will be held in conjunction with Delray’s Art & Jazz event and guest will hear live entertainment from 6 – 10:00 pm. Be prepared to see some special guests. Cost: $2 per person (free for children under 3)

Friday, July 17th: It’s time for the Barbie/Ken Look-Alike Party at Crane’s Beach House. If you have that look, be sure to make your way down to compete, enjoy live music by DYMiN and help raise money for Old School Square’s children’s programs. A percentage of the bar and a raffle will be held to raise money.

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Friday, August 14th: Bring the whole family out to the Cornell Museum for a night of activities. There  will be a Barbie Boutique, a Ken Studio and crafts to make and take. Once again, special guests will be on hand and refreshments will be served.

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Cost: $5 per family

Sunday, September 13th: Tea Time with Barbie. Celebrate National Grandparent’s Day Barbie-style at the Cornell Museum! (Now, really how many people celebrate that day? I thought it was just my family and I always seem to forget it.) Bring in your Barbie for an afternoon of tea and learning about tea etiquette. This event is only for Barbie fans 8 and up.

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm, tea will be served at 3:00 pm

Cost: $20, pre-registration required. Call Daphne at 561-243-7922 x317

Photo Credit: Brani dolls @ flickr