wm@tekchips.UUCP (Wm Leler) (09/20/85)
I'm sure many people are ignoring the fact that Expo '86 is coming to Vancouver B.C. next May. I've been to most of the World's Fairs in North America in the last 25 years, but after being bored by Knoxville I missed the New Orleans fair, and was planning on ignoring the Vancouver one. Not any more. I happened to be in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, and read some of the information about the fair. Micro review: I've already bought my tickets (much cheaper in advance -- read on for more info). Mini review: It will be the largest world's fair in North America since the 1939 fair in NYC. Bigger than Montreal. Bigger than Seattle. When: May 2 to October 13, 1986 Where: Vancouver, Canada, on 173 acres. Who: over 13 million estimated visitors. 80 pavilions total. 40 countries, 8 provinces, 3 US states (WA, OR, CA), 19 corporations. Firsts: - This is the first time the US, USSR and China will all exhibit at the same fair in North America. - The Ramses II Exhibit, featuring 3000 year old treasures, will be there, released from the Cairo museum for the first time. - The International Aviation Exhibition will be the largest ever staged in North America; for example, they will have the largest armada of DC-3's since WWII. - Leningrad's Kirov Ballet will make its first North American appearance in two decades. - The World Festival of Performing Arts will include 250 performances by symphonies and ballet companies from around the world. - 35 tall ships will take part in a parade on July 25. - The biggest display of locomotives (including 6 steam) since 1948. - Maglev trains, people-movers, and other transportation systems free. - Both the USSR and the US are expected to flaunt their space technology. - Largest OMNIMAX theatre in the world. Tickets are going to be $20 (Canadian, of course) per day, which is slightly under $15 US at current exchange. But up until October 13, you can order three day passes (good for any three days) for $29.95 (Canadian). The easiest way to do this is to mail your Visa, American Express, or MasterCard number and expiration date to: EXPO 86 P.O. Box 1850 Station A Vancouver, BC V6C 3A9 Be sure to sign your order. Or, if you think you have time, you can write to: EXPO INFO P.O. Box 1800 Station A Vancouver, BC V6C 3A2 for information including an order form. Or call 604/660-EXPO, or 604/660-3933 (hearing impaired) or 604/660-3999 (French!). You might also want to start looking into accommodations. People were already making reservations when I was there. Of course, I have absolutely no connection with Expo 86. I just love fairs. wm