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Expo 86 Main Index

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EXPO
86
A WORLD
IN MOTION

A WORLD
IN TOUCH
GOODBYE PLAZA OF NATIONS

Built as a temporary structure for Expo 86, the Plaza of Nations served the community for an additional 22 years.  The large, outdoor venue hosted such events as Taste of Vancouver and the 20th Anniversary EXPO Reunion.  But age eventually took its toll and the glass roof became unstable.  Demolition of the structure began in late 2007 and continues into 2008.  The buildings that housed administrative offices, the Million Dollar Gold Coin and the Unicorn Pub are currently under the wrecking ball.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS
LAST PERSON AT EXPO 86

Along with The Flying Club, Waves, and the Unicorn Pub, 86 Street was one of several adult oriented establishments situated at the heart of Expo 86.  Although it changed from 86 Street to The Rage, and finally Plush, the nightclub has outlived all other Plaza of Nation hotspots.  Plush remains to this day.

Arson Larsen, as he is known, began working at  86 Street during Expo 86.  Twenty Two years later, he's still there.  This could possibly make Arson Larsen the longest employed person at an Expo 86 venue.
 

Photograph: Arson Larsen with Booboo.
INTRODUCTION

For those that enter this site, welcome. 

If you were one of the 22 million visitors to Expo 86, it is my hope that these pages will rekindle some fond memories.  If you missed the fair, it's not too late. 

Expo 86 was much more than a fair.  It was a microcosm of the cold war world of 1986.  From such disasters as the Chernobyl and Challenger explosions to the Imelda Marcos shoe scandal; from the appearance of Halley's comet to the unveiling of the renovated Statue of Liberty -- Expo 86, in one way or another, was linked to many world events in 1986. 

In addition to the usual barrage of facts and figures, these pages try to capture the mood of the World's Fair.  This sentimental journey to the days when hair was big and music was synthesized looks to the optimistic and sometimes naive attitudes towards the new computer, electronic and space technologies that were being exhibited for the first time. Similarly, this web site touches on the politics and the world climate that helped shape the fair. 

Enjoy your visit.

WHERIGO HITS EXPO 86

Vancouver's first interactive WHERIGO game will take place on the parklands that cover the main Expo 86 site.

Wherigo (Where I Go) is an interactive program involving GPS enabled Pocket PCs and the Garmin Colorado GPS receiver.  Zones can be mapped out anywhere on earth.  With a cartridge downloaded into GPS enabled Pocket PCs, hotspots via GPS navigation allow for an interactive tour of the area.

In the case of EXPO 86, people will be able to walk through the parks , stand exactly where the pavilions once stood, and learn about the fair.  The game will allow people to interact with popular characters that were involved with Expo 86.

 REUNITE WITH LOST FRIENDS

Reunite with lost friends photo

Did you meet someone at Expo 86?  Did you loose touch?  Several people have contacted this website over the years looking for lost friends, loves and acquaitences.  Click on the photo above.  Someone might be looking for you.  If you're looking for someone you met at Expo 86, submit your story via email.