Obama Supports Minnesota’s Bid For 2023 World’s Fair

Minnesota received a big endorsement from President Barack Obama to host a World’s Fair in 2023.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the president stated in a memo to the secretaries of state and commerce on Friday that he finds that officially recognizing the proposed expo is in the national interest.

Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is leading the initiative with support from civic groups and business leaders.  The Pioneer Press states that details of the event need to be worked out and finalized, including the site of the fair.

“Expo 2023” is expected to house exhibits by 100 countries and 12 million visitors. The last World’s Fair to take place in the United States was in 1984 in New Orleans.

Other upcoming big events scheduled for Minnesota include the 2018 Super Bowl and the 2019 Final Four basketball championships.

The theme of the event, “Minnesota World’s Fair 2023: Wellness and Well Being for All” will allow Minnesota to showcase its medical technology industries, water conservation efforts, bike trail systems and more.

Donna Azarian