Canada used its exhibit to focus on the beauty of nature. West Germany showcased how technology impacts the environment. The giant U.S. Pavilion included a courtyard of green grass and a vinyl-and-steel tentlike structure where guests were shown one of the first IMAX movies ever made.

The Women’s Council of Realtors sponsored a trash can in the form of an iron goat, sculpted by Sister Paula Turnbull of Fort Wright College. A recording would ask for your garbage. The goat would then suck down the trash via a powerful vacuum system. Not baa-aad.

Not everybody was totally on board with the Expo’s environmental theme. The Mormon Pavilion, for example, put its focus on “moral pollution.” And Ford featured its recreational vehicles — not exactly the most environmentally friendly models.

The revitalization of Spokane’s river and waterfalls was a major topic of the fair. The United Nations dished praise on the area on that first World Environment Day. Once the fair was over, the grounds were converted into the Riverfront Park we know and love today.

The U.S. Pavilion — or, at least, its basic structure — is still here, too. As is the State of Washington Pavilion. You know it today as the First Interstate Center for the Arts.