FIREWORKS EVERY NIGHT

Photo by Marv Butler 1974

Night after night we were treated to a fireworks show that summer of 1974.  Who ever thought that the "Ingrown Empire," as my dad called it, would produce such a wonderful Exposition. Relatives and friends came out of nowhere to visit us as we were then living in Spokane.  The railroad clock tower and the merry- go-round, built years ago, were revitalized.

Merry-go-round and clock tower.  Photo by Chris 2005

The Spokane Falls came into view as the railroad tracks and trestles were removed.  

Photo by Chris 2005

Chris, as a photographer for the Spokane Daily Chronicle, back then, had a season pass. I purchased one for me.  Heather, three years old,  was free. On May 4, 1974, President Nixon officially declared the fair open, in a ceremony attended by 85,000. 

What did we see?  The U.S. pavilion was by far the biggest, covering 179,250 square feet, under a 14-story tall steel mast. It housed an IMAX theatre. The Russian Pavalion displayed a massive head of Lenin. The Japan Pavilion featured a serene formal garden, yet dwelt on the country's many environmental horrors. The Republic of China's fan-shaped pavilion contained one of the fair's biggest hits: a multimedia show on a 180-degree screen, with "three movie projectors and 28 slide projectors" along with rear-screen projector to simulate "lightning, fireworks and a moonrise." 

Canada's exhibit was on the newly renamed Canada Island (formerly Cannon Island or Crystal Island). 

The weather that summer was perfect.  Now, in 2024, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the fair.  I won't be surprised if we have fireworks! Makes me think of the 1944 movie, "Meet me in St. Louis," where the following song was performed. 

Meet me in St. Louis, Louis
Meet me at the fair
Don't tell me the lights are shining
Any place but there

We will dance the hoochie coochie
I will be your tootsie wootsie
If you will meet me in St. Louis, Louis
Meet me at the fair-- Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis