SPOKANE, Wash. — Dozens of groups performed for Spokane's Expo '74 opening ceremony to kick off the 50th anniversary of the World's Fair in Spokane.
"I was five years old, in 1974. And I was here for the original expo," said Trisha Leahy-Charles. She attended the original expo in Spokane 50 years ago.
"Expo brought people together. And that's what this celebration and the next eight weeks are gonna do. And it's just it's fun to be a part of it." said Leahy-Charles.
The opening day celebration features vendor booths, fun and games, and local food.
"What we're doing today. It's really fun," said vendor Jody Graves. "It's a fantastic celebration of this city and the cultural opportunities and all the opportunities that are here for Spokane."
She's also the president of the board of Music Fest Northwest. Her organization is hoping to welcome more members at the celebration.
Opening day features more than a dozen performances.
Performer William Farley and his Quartet were the first on the stage.
"It just makes me feel like a lot bigger. You know, like, just a big event, you know, good to be part of something special and just representing Spokane," said Farley.
Thousands of people are expected to turn out for the opening ceremonies on Saturday. The event continues all evening and includes a drone show to end the night.
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