Centennials Table Topics

Table Topic questions are meant to stimulate family and classroom discussion.
Use the questions below after reading,"Seafair: our summer bash"

Seafair followed in the footsteps of previous attempts by civic boosters to create festivals. How did Seafair differ from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and the Potlatches of prior years? How do festivals impact a city's image? What do they do for business, community, reputation?
Seafair has evolved into a combination of all-city events and neighborhood celebrations, but it remains essentially local. Since the '50s, Seattle has hosted a World's Fair, the Goodwill Games and NCAA tournaments, all to pretty good national reviews. Now there's talk of Seattle as a site for the 2008 Olympics. Do you support bringing the Olympics to Seattle? What do you see as the benefits and drawbacks? On the whole, do you prefer smaller, homegrown events or big productions with lots of fanfare?
Seafair has been around almost 50 years, long enough to change. Why do you think we no longer have lavish coronation ceremonies, the Aqua Follies and ship burnings? If Seafair's around 50 years from now, what will it be like? Hydro-plane racing took off with the popularity of local hero Stan Sayres and his boat Slo-Mo-Shun. Did the decision of this generation's "hydro hero" Chip Hanauer not to race affect interest in the Seafair Cup this year?
Seafair appearances by the Blue Angels continue to generate love and dismay. Do you find them a thrilling demonstration of skill and bravado? Or rude, loud and disruptive? Is there any possible compromise between these two very different public reactions?
Think of other festivals that have grown out of Seattle life and culture, like Folklife, Bite of Seattle, 4th of July Fireworks and Bumbershoot. Which do you enjoy the most and why? Seafair spoke to Seattle's maritime location and traditions. What do these newer festivals say about our character and interests?