From The Archives: 1982 World’s Fair
We go back 40 years to construction for the upcoming Worlds Fair in Knoxville
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – If you visit Knoxville these days, pay a visit to World’s Fair Park.
It’s a greenway and public performance area downtown.
The park is built around the only two remaining pieces from the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Ampitheatre.
But 40 years ago, the fair was a big deal for all of Tennessee.
21 countries came to Knoxville to show off their technology and culture.
And more than 11 million people attended during its run from May through October.
This story was one of our first looks at the upcoming fair from February of 1982.
It shows the Sunsphere under construction (we’ll have more archive stories from the fair during the summer when it was open).
By the way, Knoxville is holding a 40th anniversary event on May 21st at the park.
“The 40th year celebration kicks off with international food and festival partners, technology and entertainment offerings, history walks with Jack Neely, representation from Knoxville’s Maker Community, and a variety of family-fun activities. The Children’s Festival of Reading on Saturday will be a special addition to the festivities.
