THE END OF THE FAIR

The U.S. Pavilion

If fans at the opening ceremonies were cranky about being packed so tightly together, they were probably happy about it at the closing. The temperature had dipped into the 30s after sundown and many visitors were happy for the body heat. Around six p.m., the lights of the United States Pavilion suddenly clicked off. Lights all over the fairgrounds did likewise and the doors to the pavilions and concessions closed to the public for the final time.

As music played, the commissioners general led a torchlight parade to the same floating platform where the fair began six months earlier. Following an impressive fireworks display, speakers reminded everyone of the environmental message of Expo. The ceremony ended with a taped message from President Gerald Ford, asking people to respect nature.

With that, Expo '74 was officially over.

Workers began dismantling the fair within an hour after the closing ceremonies. Over the next few months, exhibits were sent back to their owners and the Expo '74 Corporation sold off everything from toilet paper to pavilion buildings before finally dissolving.

During the previous six months, 5,187,826 people had visited Expo—but even that wasn't enough to put the fair in the black. Interest rates had nearly quadrupled since the economic projections had been done and sales of season passes far exceeded predictions, resulting in lower ticket revenue. The $723,961 defecit was so small, though, that backers made it good shortly after it was announced.

THE LEGACY OF THE FAIR
There's no doubt that Expo gave Spokane a boost—economists have estimated as much as $150 million was pumped into the city and surrounding area. Downtown continues to grow and the former fairgrounds are a vital part of city life.

Despite criticism from many quarters and the absence of a single display by an environmental organization, even critics have to admit that Expo contributed to the public awareness. That ecological awareness eventually led to present-day gains.

The question Spokane residents are asking now is how many of the gains of Expo were permanent. Efforts are currently underway to build a new bridge across the river and there's a feeling among many that growth without a unifying vision like that of Expo is not necessarily good.

No matter what happens in the future, though, it's important to remember that while many cities far larger failed in their attempts to stage a world's fair, the citizens of tiny Spokane, Washington pulled together and succeeded. That bodes well for the future.