wjb (06/08/82)
No matter how much is said against the 1982 World's Fair, there will still be some people out there who will still be going. I offer these tips to perhaps make your visit a little more enjoyable than mine was. The exhibit at Knoxville was only officially designated a specialized exhibit with Energy as its theme. It is advertising which turned it into the 1982 World's Fair. The main difference being that is is smaller in size and exhibitors may share sections of buildings. The US and China pavilions are exclusively occupied but the England, France, EEC Countries, etc. share the same building. Also, you walk from display to display to view exhibits about Energy and the like. No elaborate moving seats to take you through an exhibit. Although the Fair advertises admission at $9.95 with at special two-day pass at $16.95, this two-day pass is not available at the main gates. Miller's Dept. store across the street from one of the gates sells them, else order them in advance by mail. Be wary of reduced price parking lots. A lot across the Tennessee river advertised '$2.00 Parking and Ferry'. It cost $2.00 to park, but the ferry across the river to the gate cost another $3.00 per person!! Ask before you pay!! A lot just across the street from the fair by Miller's Dept. store opens at around 3:30PM and charges only $3.00. The lot is within walking distance and is used by gov't employees during the day. After 3:30 it is open to fair visitors. Because of the crowds it really does not pay to arrive before then anyway. We never ate dinner within the fair. The restaurants in the Mexican and Chinese pavilions were as mobbed as the pavilions themselves. There are a few good restaurants within walking distance of the gates. If you go farther you will probably have to pay another parking fee when you get back. A must-see is the IMAX film in the basement of the US pavilion. It is project on one of the largest movie screens and will be enjoyed by adults and children. See it after viewing the US exhibit since it will be difficult to get back into the pavilion after the film. Another IMAX film 'To Fly' is shown at Gatlinburg Place, Gatlinburg, TN. Free admission to that film was offered to holders of fair tickets. The 'show' in the Japanese pavilion (seat belts necessary to view a slide show on a moving platform inside an inflated bubble) is worth seeing simply for the hilarity of the situation. You can get your arm stamped early in the day for a later showing and you can go through the 'express' line. Good luck, Bill Beblo Bell Labs - Murray Hill