W.W.'s Vintage Family Photo Collection :: 004 :: THE 1982 WORLD'S FAIR
Here are some vintage photos I'm actually in. If I'm considering "vintage" to be anything before 1993 (25 years or more), then this qualifies, and it's a pretty cool event.
According to Wikipedia,
The 1982 World's Fair, formally known as the Knoxville International Energy Exposition, was held in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. The specialized Expo themed "Energy Turns the World", was recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
It opened on May 1, 1982, and closed on October 31, 1982, after receiving over 11 million visitors. Participating nations included Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and West Germany.
The fair was constructed on a 70-acre (280,000 m2) site between downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. The core of the site primarily consisted of a deteriorating Louisville and Nashville Railroad yard and depot. The railroad yard was demolished, with the exception of a single rail line, and the depot was renovated into a restaurant. The Sunsphere, a 266-foot (81 m) steel tower topped with a five-story gold globe, was built for the 1982 World's Fair. It still stands and remains a symbol for the city of Knoxville.
This event marks probably one of my very first memories.
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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.
You have many good photos, your blog has a good dynamics.
old memories, its nice to look back
This is awesome too, right up my alley, can't wait to see more--