Meet me in St. Louis, Louis. Meet me at the fair… World’s Fare, that is! This past weekend not only marked the 110th anniversary of the 1904 World’s Fair, but also welcomed the first annual St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival and Games to Forest Park. This free, three-day celebration channeled the spirit of the original 1904 World’s Fair, while also highlighting the rich cultural history of St. Louis.
Over the weekend, Art Hill became a canvas decorated with artist booths, craft vendors and live art stations, while the Grand Basin lent its picturesque backdrop to various food vendors, culinary demonstrations and head-to-head chef challenges. Local bands battled it out for an opening-act spot, while Fare attendees paid homage to the Games of the III Olympiad with tug-of-war competitions, while embracing modern sports, such as skateboarding, as well.
The 1904 World’s Fair Society was also on-site to appraise memorabilia throughout the weekend and to provide historical reenactments. The society also provided information for self-guided tours throughout the many historic locations in Forest Park. Families could travel across a bridge to Kid’s Island to experience hands-on, international activities and enjoy dance performances and cultural skits. Both local and international craftsmen and businesses also made an appearance in the World Business Expo area as they sold their wares and publicized their work.
“Whether you’re one or 100, we’ve got something here for you. We’ve got it covered,” Samantha Newman, World Business Expo Coordinator, said. “There’s historical aspects, there’s art, there’s music, there’s sports, there’s just so much going on that it’s hard to even encompass this all in one spot.”
Newman also noted the “green” aspects of the event and the heavy use of solar power, along with the utilization of newer technology, such as the Bonfyre app. Fare attendees were able to use this social app throughout the weekend to access event-specific schedules and maps and to share photos and videos. A 360-degree view of the World’s Fare was also available through this digital program.
Considering the vast size and various entertainment offered by the Fare, it is no surprise that extensive planning went into organizing this event. Staff members and volunteers could be seen scattered amongst the Fare-goers all weekend, sporting bright orange shirts and ready-for-anything attitudes as they worked through the inaugural St. Louis World’s Fare.
“It’s the first year. Growing pains. People are doing this for the first time, so we have a lot of room for improvement,” Stacy Sedlack, Kid’s Island Director, said. One of those improvements involves volunteer support. Fare organizers reached out to several area schools, SLU included, but still had lower numbers than they had hoped for this year. They aim to gain more help for the 2015 event, especially from local college kids.
Sedlack said that volunteers can expect to focus largely on hospitality, but that other responsibilities would include checking in vendors and helping with set-up and cleanup for various events.. Shuttle service from Dwight Davis Tennis Center was provided this year, and volunteers next year can also look forward to food vouchers and a free T-shirt. Information will be available on the event website, www.stlworldsfare.com, for anyone interested in volunteering.
Sedlack and her fellow staff members were happy with how the Fare turned out this year and are looking forward to a bigger and better event next year. Sedlack said, “I’ve just been walking around hearing people say how this is awesome, and I’ve been hearing it over and over again. I think we’re all really excited to get started planning World’s Fare for next year already.”
