BURBANK (CNS) - Still spry for his age, Mickey Mouse will mark his 90th birthday later this year, and The Walt Disney Co. announced today a worldwide series of celebratory events ranging from a fashion show to a student art project.
Mickey -- along with his ever-loyal companion Minnie Mouse -- made his big-screen debut on Nov. 18, 1928, in ``Steamboat Willie,'' which premiered at the Colony Theatre in New York.
Birthday festivities will begin March 7 at Disneyland with Opening Ceremony's runway fashion show featuring a ``Mickey-inspired collection'' from designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon. The celebration will continue with events including the July debut of ``Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Special Celebration'' in Japan.
The show will tour throughout the Asia-Pacific region until August 2019.
Disney on Ice will also be presenting a Mickey-oriented production that will tour the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Disney-owned ABC will air a Mickey birthday celebration this fall, while the Disney Channel will present the fifth season of ``Mickey Mouse'' animated shorts, including an extended seven-minute birthday episode.
Disneyland and other Disney theme parks around the world will hold celebrations on Nov. 18 with events featuring ``commemorative merchandise, photo locations and more.'' The parks will also present the ``World's Biggest Mouse Party,'' honoring Mickey and Minnie, beginning late this year and continuing into 2019.
In France, meanwhile, 38 design and art schools will participate in a ``Mickey is Art'' contest, with students crafting Mickey-oriented works and winners displayed in train stations around the country.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will also be marking the event, employing Disney animator Mark Henn to paint Mickey's official 90th birthday portrait.
Photo: Getty Images