Statue of Liberty 125th birthday bash on October 28, 2011

It may be the most famous gift in history — the Statue of Liberty, from France, in 1886.  On October 28, 2011, Lady Liberty celebrates her 125th birthday with a huge party in New York Harbor.  One ceremony replicates the original dedication, complete with a ticker tape parade and fireworks.  The Macy’s fireworks display won’t be as big at the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks, but promisesto be spectacular nevertheless.  Another ceremony celebrates the naturalization of 125 immigrants as citizens with a military gun salate. No birthday party would be complete without a birthday cake — the Statue of Liberty 125th Birthday cake is being created by celebrity pastry chef Buddy Valastro,  star of TLC’s Cake Boss.  Of course, the baking and decorating is being filmed, for an  episode of his show.  The day after her 125th birthday — October 29th — Lady Liberty closes to the public for a one-year, $27.3 million renovation on her interior that includes new stairways and new elevators.  There will be no scaffolding or exterior work being done, and Liberty Island will remain open for visitors, and National Park Service guides will be on hand to answer questions — you just can’t go inside.  Check the National Park Service website for additional information on the renovation and tips for visiting..