Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Expo '74: Spokane’s Environmental World’s Fair
Rediscover the Magic
In 1974, Spokane, defied expectations by hosting Expo '74, the world’s fair that captivated nearly 5.2 million visitors. The theme? The environment. Ten countries, including the Soviet Union, Japan, the United States, and other entities and corporations, converged on a 100-acre site to celebrate our planet and its interconnectedness. At the time, Spokane was the smallest city ever to host the World’s Fair.
Under the visionary leadership of King Cole, Spokane embarked on an audacious journey. We hosted a world’s fair and then transformed the very heart of our city into the iconic Riverfront Park we cherish today.
Join the celebration!
This year, our Spokane community is coming together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Expo ‘74.
- Avista has created a Water Power Walking Tour to enjoy amongst all the other free festivities.
- Check out the event website, here, for current activities and events.
Remembering Expo '74: A Turning Point for Spokane
In the spring of 1974, Spokane, Washington, witnessed a remarkable transformation. Expo '74, officially known as the International Exposition on the Environment, unfolded along the banks of the Spokane River, forever changing the city’s landscape and leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Here’s a glimpse into the fascinating story of Expo '74 with some fun details about how Washington Water Power/Avista was involved:
A group of downtown property owners and businesspeople formed Spokane Unlimited. Their mission? To breathe new life into the heart of the city.
Seeking professional expertise, they hired the Electric Bond and Share Company (EBASCO) to design a plan for urban renewal.
Kinsey Robinson, one of Spokane’s most influential figures, recommended EBASCO. His journey from driving wagons for the Oregon, Idaho Power Company to leading the Washington Water Power (WWP) company made him a key player in this endeavor.
EBASCO agreed to assist Spokane, requiring $150,000 for their consulting services.
WWP became a major financier, contributing $36,000 toward the EBASCO report.
Although the EBASCO plan was never fully implemented, it sparked conversations shaping Spokane’s future.
Inspired by the discussions around urban renewal, the idea of hosting a world fair took root.
WWP generously donated nearly 5 acres of land to the city, supporting the fair financially.
WWP pledged $100,000 in seed money during the fundraising campaign to kickstart Expo '74.
Early rendering of Expo '74
When representatives from Ford and General Motors visited Spokane during the summer fair planning, they encountered a nearly dry Spokane River.
Kinsey Robinson, ever resourceful, released more water from WWP’s upriver dams, temporarily increasing the flow over the falls.
Impressed by this display, both Ford and GM decided to exhibit at Expo '74.
WWP constructed two pedestrian suspension bridges: one connecting the river's south bank to Canada Island and another to the north bank.
The company relocated powerlines that once crossed the river, now safely tucked beneath the walkways.
WWP’s commitment extended further, contributing $750,000 to a five-million-dollar bond campaign to cover the initial operating costs of the fair.
Expo '74 welcomed approximately 5.2 million visitors, making it a resounding success.
It revitalized Spokane’s blighted urban core, injecting an estimated $150 million into the local economy and surrounding region.
By proclaiming itself the first exposition with an environmental theme, Expo '74 set a new standard for world’s fairs, emphasizing sustainability and progress without pollution.
As the summer sun beat down on Spokane in 1974, the Spokane River’s flow dwindled to a mere 5 percent of its spring runoff. The once-mighty falls, Expo’s central attraction, now resembled dry rocks—a stark reminder of the river’s seasonal fluctuations.
Amidst this challenge, the city turned to its community leaders, those with foresight and unwavering commitment. One such leader was President Wendell Satre of the WWP company. His response echoed the company’s ethos: “We cannot in good conscience ask our customers not to be wasteful in their use of electric power, and at the same time, spill energy-producing water.”
However, a solution emerged. Recognizing that water demand dipped during weekends, WWP made a compassionate decision. Between 9:45 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekends in August, they would release additional water to rejuvenate the falls. It was a delicate balance—serving the community while preserving energy resources.
The city and Expo organizers expressed their gratitude. They agreed to compensate WWP with $200 per day for their cooperation. This collaboration exemplified the spirit of Expo '74—a collective effort to transform Spokane’s urban landscape and celebrate environmental consciousness.
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Expo '74, let us remember the grand fair and the visionaries who shaped it. Like the flowing river, their commitment left an enduring legacy for generations to come.
Wendell Satre receives Expo pin