Expo 50 Years Later
A writing and art contest for high school students
Nearly 50 years ago, Spokane hosted the world in an event that many believed was doomed to failure. Expo '74 vastly transformed Spokane, reopening its riverfront and falls for generations to come. It was the first environmentally themed world's fair, put on by what was at the time the smallest city ever to host.
To mark the anniversary, The Spokesman-Review in partnership with Spokane Public Schools and Expo 50 is holding a writing and art contest for high school students.
How The Contest Works
- Work can be nonfiction or fiction, poetry or other forms of writing using the theme of Expo '74. Art can be painted, drawn or created using other flat mediums.
- Students' work could focus on the environmental theme, show the effects the fair had on the city, research the importance of Spokane Falls to Indigenous peoples, profile fair guests or the people who made it happen, or highlight any other topic related to Expo '74.
- Although the newspaper is partnering with Spokane Public Schools, the contest is open to anyone in grades 9-12 from the newspaper circulation area in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
- Writing must be original and created in 2024 and no more than 1,000 words.
- Winning entries will be published in The Spokesman-Review. Writing winners may be asked to read at an Expo anniversary event.
- Work must be submitted at this page between Feb. 12 and March 29. Art entries should be scanned or photographed.
- Submissions must include the writer's or artist's name, school, grade, home address and phone number.