QUEEN MARY CELEBRATES ART DECO WITH LARGEST COLLEC

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIA ADVISORY

It is a rare opportunity to become immersed in a time period other than your own. But that is exactly what The Queen Mary is presenting August 30 – September 2. This Labor Day Weekend, the 9th Annual Queen Mary Art Deco Festival welcomes visitors to step aboard the largest Art Deco collection in the world.

The Queen Mary and Art Deco Society of Los Angeles celebrate an art form that has influenced design in visual arts, furniture, fashion, architecture, and ocean liners for nearly a century. "We're growing the festival," says John Thomas, The Queen Mary Historic Resources Advisor and President of the Los Angeles Art Deco Society. "We continue to restore The Queen Mary, perhaps the best living monument to Art Deco, and every year our festival draws more people because of its authenticity."

With more than 8,000 people expected to attend various Queen Mary events over the Labor Day Weekend, this year's festival should prove to be the largest in its history.

The Queen Mary epitomizes an art movement at its zenith. "Art Deco defines a visual expression, mindset, and lifestyle of an era," Thomas says. "What better place to stage an Art Deco event. There are prime examples around every corner," denotes Thomas. "We appeal to a broad spectrum of enthusiasts, students, tourists, curiosity seekers, and philanthropists," says Thomas. "We're preserving an art form, while conserving The Queen Mary." One hundred percent of the Art Deco Grand Ball proceeds fund on-going Queen Mary conservation initiatives.

Most devotees would agree the themed Pajama Derby and Art Deco Grand Ball, featuring today's top talent of the era including Dean Mora Orchestra, Ian Whitcom and Bungalow Boys, and Jim Zeigler are the weekend highlights. However, these two events may prove to be the "opening act" with the return of the sell-out Sunday Tea Dance and first-ever recreation of the famed Starlight Lounge. Both will deliver vintage libations, velvety tunes and a smokin' hot dance floor.

For those looking to "Deco"rate, the Vintage Bazaar and Auto Display attract vendors as far away as the United Kingdom. Many sellers and collectors return year after year to showcase their unique merchandise and collectables to the highly coveted clientele.

Throughout the weekend, the Art Deco Lecture Series will dive into topics ranging from architecture and automotive to musicology. For the night owls and vintage film buffs the Movie and Martinis Under the Stars celebrate Hollywood's Golden Age with The Queen Mary regular Bob Hope as he graces the silver screen in "The Big Broadcast of 1939".

A la carte tickets are available starting at $15 to suit the interest of every festivalgoer. Art Deco aficionados can take advantage of The Art Deco Grand Passport or Hotel Package offering a total weekend immersion starting at $295.

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary's signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston's and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship's Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship's museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, visit:  www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

For more information or to become a vendor visit: www.queenmary.com or call (877) 342-0738

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MEDIA CONTACT: Johanna Felix Freeman McCue for The Queen Mary 860.655.4221