The Martians — or something close to them — are returning to West Windsor to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the historical “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast.
The October 30, 1938, a Mercury Theater production led by noted American director and actor Orson Welles updated British novelist H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel by simulating a news program’s account of Martians landing in Grovers Mills and reporting on actions in Princeton and Trenton.
The program’s breaking news tone caused many listeners to believe there was an actual invasion and caused panic.
The event will be commemorated by two “warring” events on Sunday, October 29.
First, the West Windsor Arts Council presents its “Broadcast Bash,” at Schenck Farmstead, 50 Southfield Road, West Windsor, from 2 to 5 p.m.
In addition to tours of the historic farmstead, Halloween crafts and snacks, a concert by the Ragtime Relics, and a costume contest, the day will also include “War of the Worlds”-related programs.
One is a presentation by A. Brad Schwartz, author of the book “Broadcast Hysteria,” about the mayhem caused by the radio show.
The second is a painting demonstration by noted area artist Robert Hummel, who has created a series of paintings and prints depicting “War of the Worlds” scenes. And then there is the “reveal” of a Martian mascot sculpture, based on a design by regional designer Jodi Walker.
Event tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 3 to 17. For more information: westwindsorarts.org/event/broadcast-bash-85th.
The other is the Delaware Valley Radio Association’s creation of a radio station to present a live on-air commemoration of the original broadcast.
According to Ewing-based DVRA, the station, identifying with the call letters WØW, will be set up “where Welles’ fictional Martian invaders landed, in Van Nest Park in West Windsor Township. Visitors are welcome and ham radio operators are encouraged to contact the station via ‘HF,’ or shortwave bands. Operating frequencies will vary according to atmospheric conditions.”
The station will be running at the park located at 218 Cranbury Road, West Windsor, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information: w2zq.com.
