Polynesia
An opportunity to buy an oyster with a pearl inside is one of the attractions at the Polynesian Village. The village is built around two South Sea island "long houses" - one a restaurant, the other a setting for Polynesian dances. South Sea palm tress are planted about and there is a lagoon where beautiful Polynesian girls pilot outrigger canoes and natives dove for oysters. The oysters were transported to Flushing Meadows from Pacific pearl beds.
Several grass roofed stands outside the main pavilion offered a variety of souvenirs and snacks. (CD #22 Set 116 #8)
Dancing Islanders. Every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., performances are given by dancers from American Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. Dancers range from a strapping chief to small children. Three-foot knives are brandished in one of dances; in another the knives are covered with an inflammable substance and set ablaze. There are also lava-lava-clad dancing girls. (CD #59 Set 248 #15)
South Sea Dishes. The restaurant specializes in South Sea cuisine featuring fish, chicken and pork. (CD #49 Set 217 #31)
Handicrafts. Pearl jewelry and other items are on sale in four thatched-hut shops. Prices range from $1.50 (for a pearl-bearing oyster) to $3,000 for gem pearls. (CD #59 Set 248 #4)