Harvard Plans Cambridge Party

To celebrate 350th anniversary of the Harvard's founding, the Development Office is planning one of the university's most colossal parties ever. And while such notables as President Reagan, Prince Charles, and Lady Diana have been invited, room has also been set aside at the party for the 95,000 residents of Cambridge.

"There's an underlying theme of partnership between Harvard and Cambridge," said John Shattuck, vice president for government and public affairs. "The general thrust is to have this be a family celebration involving Harvard, its faculty, its staff, its students, and the greater Boston area, particularly Cambridge."

Cambridge will most likely get involved by attending what has been temporarily dubbed "The Floating Birthday Party." The event will be a three-hour affair along the banks of the Charles and kicking off Harvard's four-day extravaganza from September 3 to 6.

"There will be everything from music to laser shows," says Harvard spokesman Peter Costa.

Though the details are sketchy, there will probably be barges carrying dancers back and forth across the river, clowns and stilt-walkers meandering the banks, and even a replica of the John Harvard statue shaking hands with the crowds of people expected for the event. The festival will include an inflatable rainbow bridge spanning the river and fireworks to conclude the festivities for the day.

"The people who come we hope will picnic and sit along the banks of the river," said Jacqueline O'Neill, associate vice president for state and community affairs.

"It's the leadoff event and is designed to bring Harvard and Cambridge together," Shattuck said.

O'Neill said that the events held in the Tercentenary Theater will be limited greatly by space and security requirements, many of the exhibitions and symposia planned for the week will be free and open to the public.