Carefree Highway '86

Okay, odd little bit of a coincidence this evening; I was looking for a map of Expo '86 to see how much the waterfront had changed in the past 20 years. Skytrain passes that little patch of checkboard from back then that's still yet to be paved over (UPDATE: Yes, I'm confused; the checkerboard is apparently something else entirely), just before turning into the Main & Terminal station from downtown. I remind myself to search for pictures from back then to compare to today, specifically to see if I can find pictures of one of my favourite noisy German bands' performance from back then.

That's when I find out about an event taking place at the Plaza of Nations in two days; the 20 year reunion celebration where they're going to uncrate Expo Ernie and force him to serve drinks to guests willing to pay $19.86 each to Ticketmaster.

I'm a little bit intrigued, but a lot disturbed. I spent a bit of time looking around online for photos of what that checkerboard area used to be; I thought it was part of 'Highway 86' but that was a big grey monstrosity in truly 80s style, with no black and white at all. It's shocking to see how much of a blast crater the whole area around False Creek was prior to the fair.

The Expo 86 20 year reunion is for anyone and everyone who was involved with Expo - volunteers, corporate and pavilion staff, suppliers, contractors, vendors, journalists, entertainers. If being part of Expo 86 was a part of your life, you won't want to miss this party.

The party starts as you arrive at the Plaza of Nations to be greeted by Expo Ernie and many of your former colleagues. You can pick up an Expo Reunion Passport and - instead of stamps - start collecting the names and addresses of friends you haven't seen in years! There will be lots of opportunities to find old friends and exchange stories and food and bar services are there to sustain you.

The event is a reunion for the employees, volunteers and sponsors who all helped share in the success of Expo 86. Expo Ernie will be there to offer food, drink and special entertainmentÂ…and everyone will leave with a souvenir of the 20th reunion of Expo 86.

Expo '86 changed the face of False Creek, and Vancouver as a whole; for good or bad. Sure, it might pale in comparison to some real estate speculation in early Vancouver, but it's one of a smaller number of events that really kicked off the Condo Building Phenomenon in Vancouver, but that's another story.

The Reunion Site
Aerial Photofrom Waite Air Photos.