On April 21, 1962, just before noon, Seattle opened its gates to the world as the Century 21 Exposition—more commonly known as the 1962 World’s Fair—made its grand debut. The event promised a bold look into the future, but the opening day was anything but smooth.
A Rocky Start
The fairgrounds were scheduled to open at 11 a.m., but a small mishap caused an unexpected delay. The key to the West Gate, where thousands had gathered in anticipation, was missing. As a result, the gates didn’t open until 11:22 a.m., creating a bit of confusion and impatience among the crowds.
Once inside, guests were treated to a spectacle at Memorial Stadium, where water skiers performed stunts on a giant oval-shaped water track, pulled by fast-moving motorboats. The official opening ceremony followed, led by both national and local leaders.
Dignitaries and Star Power
Those who gathered for the ceremony witnessed an impressive list of attendees, including:
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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Luther Hodges
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Senator Warren G. Magnuson of Washington
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Governor Albert D. Rosellini
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Seattle Mayor Gordon Clinton
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Fair President Joe Gandy
Adding a touch of Hollywood and Broadway flair, entertainer Danny Kaye recited the World’s Fair credo, soprano Mary Costa delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem, and John Raitt—Broadway star and father of Bonnie Raitt—sang “Meet Me at the Needle.”
A dramatic 21-gun salute followed, using a 334-year-old cannon salvaged from the sunken Swedish warship Vasa. Then, at long last, the two-year countdown clock—originally activated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower—hit zero.
A Signal From the President
At that pivotal moment, President John F. Kennedy, vacationing with his family in Florida, pressed a ceremonial telegraph key. His action triggered the ringing of 538 bells atop the Space Needle’s Carillon, echoing across the grounds through dozens of speakers.
Just then, the sky erupted with sound as a formation of F-102 Delta Dart fighter jets, the U.S. Air Force’s cutting-edge interceptors at the time, thundered overhead in a show of aerial might.
Tragedy Strikes
Amid the excitement came a tragic twist. As the jets circled for a second pass, one F-102 suffered engine failure. The pilot attempted two restarts, but ultimately had to eject. He aimed to ditch the aircraft in Lake Washington, but the jet continued flying northwest.
The plane crashed into a residential area in Mountlake Terrace, on the border of King and Snohomish counties. While one home was empty at the time, the other was not. The residents inside were killed instantly. Despite the crash, the remaining jets completed their pass as planned.
A Vision of the Future
Despite the somber moment, the fair pressed on and proved wildly successful over its six-month run from April 21 to October 21, 1962. Designed to showcase what the world might look like after the turn of the century, the exposition captivated millions with futuristic themes.
The 605-foot Space Needle became an iconic symbol of Seattle, while the Monorail offered a glimpse into future transit. The U.S. Science Pavilion emphasized space exploration and scientific progress, and exhibits from 24 countries highlighted global innovation and cultural exchange.
Kennedy’s Absence and a Global Crisis
Although President Kennedy was expected to attend the fair’s closing ceremony, he ultimately canceled, citing illness. Behind the scenes, however, the real reason was far more serious: the Cuban Missile Crisis was nearing its peak.
Just one day after the fair’s conclusion, on October 22, 1962, Kennedy delivered a nationally televised address that revealed the U.S. discovery of Soviet missile installations in Cuba. The world stood on the brink of nuclear war .
