Coming down the pike

Posted by Rick Mullen on August 25, 2004

Please see the following information found at www.fairstl.org/

This summer, Fair Saint Louis, America's largest three-day Fourth of July celebration, will commemorate one of St. Louis' and the nation's most famous historical events - the 1904 World's Fair. In tribute, the 2004 Fair Saint Louis will have the theme "Meet Me at the Fair."

The World's Fair celebrated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, which extended the United States to the Pacific Ocean. This year, Fair Saint Louis will honor the centennial of that celebration, which helped define the landscape of the City of St. Louis and many aspects of American culture. Such American culinary icons like the hotdog and waffle cones were first invented at the Fair. The expression Coming down The Pike owes its origin to the Fair.

"This year is a special year for St. Louis," Fair Saint Louis Executive Director Rich Meyers said. "At the Fair, we will pay special attention to some of the more historic aspects of the 1904 World's Fair. On top of all the great entertainment we have planned, the food and attractions observing the World's Fair will help ensure that families of all ages will have a wonderful time."

1904 World's Fair Features

The Eads Bridge becomes The Pike. Among the most memorable features of the 1904 World's Fair was a walkway known as The Pike. It was the most extravagant entertainment area ever constructed at that time. Visitors were so stunned they would say "there was always something new coming down The Pike." This year, Fair Saint Louis will commemorate The Pike on the Eads Bridge. A fabulous showcase of foods and a number of amusement rides on the Eads Bridge will represent some of the world attractions that were on the 1904 Pike. As the Pike was a major hotspot to watch the fireworks at the 1904 World's Fair, plenty of room on the bridge also will be left for crowds to gather and view the fireworks and air show.

Rick Mullen
Sales Manager
GT Midwest
PH. 943-2171
Fax 943-4800
E-mail rmullen@gtmidwest.com