Wayback Wednesday – 1982
This should be fun. I’m joining a new meme called Wayback Wednesday for the first time. Last week, I stumbled upon Angela @ Mommy Time Out blog hop but didn’t have time to participate. With that being said, let’s flashback to…1982!
Technology continued to gain speed with the release of the Commodore 64 computer and Sony introduced the first CD player. John Belushi died that year and a young prince was born, William. The Tylenol scare sparked and the first man ever received a permanent artificial heart. ET was the box office hit and Michael Jackson’s album Thriller was a big sensation in sales. What a year it was to remember!
While all the buzz was going on around us, our little big town of Knoxville, hosted the World’s Fair Expo that year. Imagine, countries from around the globe merging upon our city. From May to October 11 million people joined the gigantic street party of sorts.
This commercial played for months leading up to the grand opening.
I was in college at the time. The city bus drove past the World’s Fair site every day. I loved seeing the flurry of activity – shiny Mylar balloons floating behind children, people strolling around while eating foods from all over the world, and vendors selling trinkets and gifts.
We bought season passes at a discount through my husband’s employer. It was super cool to be able to go to the fair whenever we wanted, and we did visit as much as we could. What I loved the most was every night at closing the Energy Express Train would travel through the fairgrounds blaring this catching, happy tune (Energy Express Theme) played entirely on a synthesizer, and then shortly after an impressive fireworks display.
Turned upside down for six months, few people seemed to not mind the interruption in our city. In fact, after it was all done, we missed the excitement and energy from the festivities. We didn’t know if we’d ever be the same and in away, we weren’t. We were better because of it., even if just a little. Thanks to dedicated few who believed Knoxville could make it happen and for the worldwide community visiting the 1982 World’s Fair in my little big town making it a huge success!
Be sure to link up Angela’s meme by clicking her button to the right…
Have a wacky, wonderful Wednesday!
6 Comments
cathykennedy
@6a06231f7cd6e1df564d49506f79cf63 If you ever get an opportunity to visit a World’s Fair expo, then seize the chance, you’ll be totally glad you did. The experience will stay with you forever.
cathykennedy
Jessica Bowers I remembered when Michael Jackson and his brothers where on their Thriller Tour. They performed in town and I wanted so much to go, but the tickets were outrageou. So, we drove by the arena and listened outside for awhile and hoping we could glimpse a peak by fortune. As it turned out, all we could see were a lot of bright lights and someone on stage a crack from a looong distance. And, one of his tour buses was parked out front. It was all very exciting even though we didn’t get to see Michael. lol
Jill
I’ve heard so many great tales of the World fairs! but never got to one myself!! One day!
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Jessica Bowers
Thriller! We used to watch that music video over and over again at slumber parties and pretend to be totally scared. Thanks for the memory!
Angela
Thanks so much for joining my blog hop and posting your own Wayback Wednesday. I love it!
TarynLgh
I’m a new GFC Follower! I’d love for you to visit me at It’s the Thought that Counts