E X P O ’ 74 S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
S U N D AY, J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 2 4
CELEBRA TING
EXP’7O4
Eric Grohe designed the towering, fluttering sculptures that marked the “regions” of the World’s Fair that would have such an impact on Spokane. Grohe went on to become an internationally known graphic artist, specializing in the design of murals and large public works. “It’s an extremely rare privilege to get your hands on such a project,” he said. PHOTOS BY THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
THE WORLD’S FAIR: A TIMELINE
From the grand opening to the Garbage Goat and from the Folklife to the butterflies, a comprehensive history of Expo ’74 from start to finish and beyond. PAGES 8-9
AUSSIES REUNITE 50 YEARS LATER
The contingent that ran the Australian Pavilion at Expo ’74 in Spokane came together in May in the Barossa Valley of Australia to celebrate Expo’s 50th anniversary. PAGE 10
COLLECTING EXPO Expo ’74 merchandise, new and old, popular for 50th anniversary By Emma Epperly
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Anyone who has been to a Spokane-area yard sale or thrift store in the last 50 years has probably seen it. The ash trays, tea cups, buttons and trinket trays from Expo ‘ 74 are ubiquitous, said Darcy Caputo, owner of FinnBoy Records, Books & Curio. But now as the anniversary of the World’s Fair, that changed the face of Spokane, is upon the Inland Northwest, merchandise related to the original celebration and this summer’s recognition of Expo’s impact has garnered new interest. A new line of apparel (for both humans and stuffed animals), local treats, stickers, buttons and
other merchandise are available in the gift shop at Riverfront Park. Vanessa Esparza, attractions and retail manager at the park, adjusted the hoodie on a stuffed moose one morning earlier this month as she prepared to open the shop. The new array of merchandise has been popular, she said. The designs honor Expo ‘ 74 but with a modern twist. “We definitely wanted to keep it more 2024,” she said. A few designs by the Great PNW and local artist, Chris Bovey, hang throughout the shop, featuring icon’s of Spokane’s skyline that came with Expo. Even some of the shirts with See MERCHANDISE, 15
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Josh Morrisey consigns his vintage Expo merchandise he finds at estate sales and online at Boo Radleys.
PARK AFTER
5PM FOR $4 OR LESS
Shop.
Dine.
Play.