Thirty years ago, Expo’86 had just entered its second month and was proving to be wildly popular.
SkyTrain from New Westminster, a major attraction of the fair as well as a very convenient mode of transportation, was busy with fair-goers from morning to night. While there were still critics of the event looking for things to complain about, for most people it was an exciting, at times overwhelming, show.
Were you in the Lower Mainland when Expo’86 was on? Do you remember the fair? When you go down to Westminster Quay today do you point out the Tugger near the Discovery Centre or the marker buoys and the submarine at Quayside Park and tell people you remember seeing these things when they were at Expo at the Marine Plaza and Highway 86?
This was a tremendous event in B.C. history with so many folks having memories of the event. It is also just far enough in our past – 30 years ago – that, for many people, the May to October event of that year is simply part of our recent history. They read about it, see film clips from its schedule, and see the current Expo ’86 exhibit at the Vancouver Museum.
One family we talked to said they had assembled a scrapbook of photos, maps, etc. and then recently went for a walk along False Creek to see the Expo site now compared to 30 years ago.
What reminders remain? How have the viewscapes changed? Apparently this was an excellent family outing linked to a cherished piece of our history.
If you attended Expo’86, what things stand out for you from the world fair? Do any of the following spur on a memory or two?
There was Spirit Lodge, a fine and very popular production using high-tech images projected onto smoky vapour. There were huge lineups to see that one. Maybe you saw the next version at Knott’s Berry Farm in California near Disneyland. There was the Great Hall of Ramses II with wonderful images from the Egyptian past made even more intriguing through the use of handheld FM devices telling the stories.
Many Expo visitors enjoyed the British Columbia pavilion with so many things to see and do. Remember the B.C. adventure that took viewers around the province in the company of a quirky robotic character? Does the phase “No, Zargon, do not ski,” spur on a happy memory of the visual exhibit?
How about the aircraft in the Air Canada exhibit and the great music with their presentation? And how about Canada Place on the other side of downtown Vancouver and taking the new SkyTrain to get there? And of course there was the fireworks each night with lasers, intricate fireworks, and a marvellous soundtrack – Something’s Happening Here – all beautifully coordinated.
Interesting local history from 30 years ago – Expo ’86. We’ll spur a few more memories in a future column.
