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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Feedback: Expo made mark on city, fairgoers

The World’s Fair opened in Spokane on May 4, 1974. (File)

This Facebook question, posed on May 4, garnered 843 responses: “On this day in 1974, the World’s Fair opened in Spokane. Where were you on May 4, 1974?” Here are a few of the responses. See more at facebook.com/spokesmanreview.

Wayne Larson

 I was at Expo ’74 wondering if President Nixon would still be President when the Fair closed 6 months later. President Ford closed the Fair while Nixon was nowhere to be seen.

Tim N Heidi Wilks

I was there with my mommy.

Jan DeLuca Martin

My dad and my boss had the gold mining exhibit near the Totem poles. I got to go to the fair a couple of times – I was 14 at the time. Seemed huge to me, which is ironic, because when I walk around Riverfront Park now, it seems small.

Cynthia Sheree Ferguson

I was at Expo, with my little girl.

Aaron Bracht

I was a random collection of molecules assorted across the planet waiting to be brought together some 15 years later lol …

Catherine Schindler 

I was in Okanogan, at school. Visited the Expo during the summer though, and was living in Spokane when President Carter came and dedicated the site as a park for the city.

Lori Beckstrom Guerrero

Lost at the World’s Fair! But safely found sitting under the butterfly, thanks to instructions from my mom!

Jan Sanders

Right there. What a great summer that was …

Laurel Hanson

Working in the concessions at the Fair!

Dennis Broderick

I was 11 years old with a season pass – best year ever!

Kathy Thursby

I was finishing the semester at WSU but then went to Spokane with Campus Crusade summer project. I worked at the Davenport Hotel that summer.

David Paul Thoeny

Washing dishes at Mr. Bobby’s restaurant near U-City.

Susan Steadman RN Bsn

I was singing in the choir at the opening ceremony!

Annie Matlow

I was there with my 4  1/2-year-old Jason M. Alexander.

Roger W Knox

We were onsite. Nixon was speaking by the Opera House. Secret Service were on the old Montgomery Ward’s building scoping for potential snipers. Spent the summer in Riverfront Park. Rode the Jetstar 35 times in one day. It now sits at Lagoon amusement park in Centerville, UT – ironically, 25 minutes from my house. Met Jim McKay, Olga Korbut, and Liberace at the same event – the Russian gymnastics exhibition. A very special summer in a 13-year-old’s life. Up With People and their onezee jumpsuits ruled!

Jared W Hays

I was swimming around my mom’s ovaries.

Kathy Wardrop Bruce

Playing in the Ferris High School marching band for the opening ceremony.

Robin Churchill Justice

In high school Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, getting ready for graduation and my 18th birthday, all within 1 month of the opening!

Donna M. Opsal

I was working at the Davenport Hotel as a maid, taking care of the rooms of thousands of tourists and people performing at the fair.

Rod Hamby

I was serving in the Navy stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Would have loved to have been there.

Shawn Thomas Griffin

I was almost 2 months old. I am told I went to Expo ’74, but of course I was too young to remember.

Frances Martin

I was on the floating stage and shook hands with the president of USA. I was the Chief Hostess of Chinese Pavilion for the 6 months. This changed my life, married a guy from Spokane. That was 40 years ago.

April Rhoades Wright

I was a “ticket taker” at the main gate with the highlight being interviewed by … Ira Joe Fisher! Woo-hoo! Vinyl white shoes, polyester dress and pantyhose. Awfully uncomfortable. Not as bad as showing pavilion workers from around the globe the sites at Expo and running into a sliding glass door and getting knocked out. … Oh yeah. … what memories!