THE FAIR OPENS
On May 4, 1974 at 10 a.m., the gates to Expo '74 opened to the public. The first visitor was jazz musician Al Carter, who had also managed to be the first visitor in at the Seattle, Montreal and Osaka world's fairs.

The opening ceremonies were held on a floating platform anchored in the river near the Opera House. Representatives from the ten countries exhibiting at the fair arrived on decorated barges, escorted by members of the Quinalt Indians in canoes. As the floats neared the platform, 1,974 trout were released into the river to symbolize its rebirth.

Comedian Danny Kaye read the credo of Expo, which began with the sentence, "We believe that the universe is a grand design in which man and nature are one." When Kaye finished, 1,000 trained pigeons were released, circling the ceremonies before flying off.

Richard Nixon

After speeches by Governor Dan Evans and Congressman Tom Foley, President Richard Nixon spoke. The president was embroiled in the Watergate scandal at the time and although he received a warm reception from the crowd, there were yells of "Jail to the Chief!"

Undaunted, Nixon declared the fair officially open. This cued the release of 50,000 helium balloons, a fireworks display, bells ringing, the launch of a dozen manned, hot air balloons, rockets with the flags of the ten nations and the singing of the Expo theme song, Meet Me By the River.

The first day was a phenomenal success, with over 85,000 visitors. Those who couldn't attend could listen to the opening ceremonies, which were simulcast live by every radio station in Spokane.