RE: W.W.'s Vintage Family Photo Collection :: 004 :: THE 1982 WORLD'S FAIR
Nothing beats a good carnival/fair. I remember when the carnival used to come to our town every 4th of July. It was some of the best memories, getting to go ride all of the rides and play those silly carnival games. Unfortunately they quit coming after a few years of bad weather made it unprofitable.
Have you been back to Knoxville since the fair? I went last year on a business trip for the first time and really liked the city. Market square is such a neat spot, we got to stop and watch some live jazz (every Tuesday I believe). There's also a very good southern food restaurant their as well. You can't beat that University either, UT is really a beautiful campus. If you haven't been back, I'd highly recommend it. What's weird is I don't remember seeing that gold ball when we went, I must have missed it.
This was not your average fair. We have a local fair that takes place yearly where I live, but the World's Fair was much different. This was a one-off event that Knoxville was chosen for - kind of like the Olympics. The last time any city in the US was chosen for it was New Orleans in 1984.
Chicago had 2. Late 1800's and 1930's. It's fun to try to find souvenirs and photos from them.
Oh, and that gold ball is the Sunsphere.
Wiki:
Ohhhh, gottcha. Just did a google search, this is a way bigger deal than a traveling carnival. Sounds like it would have been pretty good to see. Too bad there hasn't been one here in such a long time.