Time to dust off your party shoes - it's Bronx Week!
Tuesday, May 10th 2011, 1:39 PM
It's been four decades in the making and Bronx Week organizers say this year's celebration will not disappoint.
Bronx Week kicks off Thursday for 11 days of 120 special events.
In a first, the Empire State Building will light up in the blue, white and orange of the Bronx flag on Saturday night.
"This is the biggest party in the borough of the Bronx," said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Everyone should come out and bring their families."
Bronx Historian Lloyd Ultan helped found the annual event in 1971 and called this year's lineup of festivities "amazing."
"And the very fact that the Empire State Building will be lit in our honor I think is recognition that the Bronx has something valuable to offer New York City and the rest of the world," he said.
Also new this year are an urban farm tour, a film festival, a hip-hop block party and free boat rides on the Bronx River.
The celebration starts Thursday with the annual Centenarian Celebration, a tribute to the borough's elders. And opening weekend festivities will include a tribute to Bronx veterans.
In addition, some venerable Bronx Week favorites will return.
Bronx DiVA Spa will once again combine a day of free pampering with information about domestic violence.
This year's Historic Trolley Tour will feature the life story of 17th century religious freedom fighter Anne Hutchinson, for whom the river and parkway are named.
The grand finale on Sunday, May 22, will feature a host of special events including the 40th annual Bronx Week Parade with more than 80 schools participating and performances by rap legend Big Daddy Kane, '80s R&B stars Force MD's and the salsa group Conjunto Imagen.
This year's Bronx Walk of Fame 2011 Induction Ceremony will honor actor Chazz Palminteri, singer and actress Irene Cara, TMZ co-executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere and model and actress Joy Bryant.
"Bronx Week is good for the Bronx," said Lourdes Valentin, of the Bronx Tourism Council. "It brings the Bronx together as a whole and keeps it a strong close-knit family."
For a complete listing of events, see Thursday's Daily News or visit www.ilovethebronx.com.
The Empire State Building will be light up in the official colors of the Bronx beginning on Friday, May 13, and continuing through Sunday, May 15
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