Space Needle Announces Finalists in "Top Off Our 50th" Roof Painting Competition

SEATTLE, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Space Needle announced six finalists for its "Top Off Our 50th" roof design competition, which kicked off on August 21. Designs are now posted at the Space Needle's website for public voting. Citizens have through October 20 to cast their vote for which design should adorn the roof of Seattle's iconic tower from October 21-April 21, 2013.

The final six were chosen from a group of about 500 by a judging panel including Space Needle officials and author of "Space Needle: The Spirit of Seattle," Skip Berger. Designs and their inspirations are varied but represent categories that emerged as themes or were simply unique and fun:

  • Galaxy Gold: The retro orange hue currently topping the Space Needle struck a chord with countless calls, largely from Seattleites, for it to remain.
  • Nature: From fish to trees, clouds and rain, there were numerous designs celebrating the natural surroundings that make the Pacific Northwest unique.
  • Pacific Northwest heritage: The history of the region was a theme for many. It took the forms of music, Native American art, technology and nods to local visual and performing arts.
  • 50th anniversary: Adaptations of World's Fair memorabilia and designs inspired by nostalgia and people's first interactions and memories of the Space Needle also made up a large category of contenders.

On Sunday, October 21 – as the Space Needle celebrates the anniversary of the closing day of the 1962 World's Fair – the winning design will be revealed. Painting will begin as quickly as the weather permits. Besides the honor of being the first ever to have a personal design on the Space Needle, the winner will also receive various prizes all tied to the Space Needle's 50th Anniversary.

The Space Needle is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2012. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle has become the Number One attraction in the Pacific Northwest, with over one million visitors each year. Along with Sky City, the world's first revolving restaurant, the Space Needle is now recognized as the global icon for the City of Seattle.

SOURCE Space Needle