Expo '74 was an
environmentally themed
world's fair in
Spokane, Washington that ran from 4 May to 3 November
1974.
Expo '74, in proclaiming itself the first exposition on an environmental theme, distanced itself from the more techno-centric world's fairs of the sixties. This environmental theme was displayed in events such as a symposium at Expo '74, on United Nations
World Environment Day (June 5), of 1,200 people including many national representatives, and another, on ECAFE (
United Nations Economic Council for Asia and the Far East) Day (June 14) on the importance (or otherwise) of the environment to countries in that region.
Spokane was the smallest city to host a (
Bureau of International Expositions recognized) world's fair until
Knoxville, Tennessee held the
1982 World's Fair eight years later. After considering other slogans, such as “How Man Can Live, Work and Play in Harmony With His Environment”, Expo '74 Settled on “Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment.” The heart of the fair park grounds was located on Canada Island, Havermale Island, and the adjacent south bank of the
Spokane River in the center of the city. With the exception of two pavilions, all of the major buildings were modular structures assembled on the site. The fair had 5.2 million visitors and was considered a success, nearly breaking even, revitalizing the blighted urban core, and pumping an estimated $150 million...
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