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In 1984, the city of New Orleans hosted the last worldas fair held in the United States. Conceived as part of an ambitious effort to revitalize a dilapidated section of the city and establish New Orleans as a year-round tourist destination, it took more than 12 years of political intrigue and design changes before the gates finally opened. Stretching 84 acres along the Mississippi River, the fair entertained more than seven million guests with a colorful collection of pavilions, rides, and restaurants during its six-month run. While most worldas fairs lose money, the 1984 New Orleans Worldas Fair had the dubious distinction of going bankrupt and almost closing early. However, the $350-million investment did succeed in bringing new life to the area, which is now home to the cityas convention center and a bustling arts district.
About the author
Author Bill Cotter is a longtime fan of world's fairs, an interest that started with his first visit to the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. He has been fortunate enough to attend several fairs around the world and capture these fleeting experiences on film. His early days at the 1964 fair started him on a career that includes working with the Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, and Universal Studios.
