text: Several of the WFC's financial advisors quit in January 1965, following bitter disputes, and the WFC requested $3.5 million to reopen the fair. City controller Abraham Beame began auditing the WFC, and the WFC fired Deegan's public-relations firm (which had been receiving $300,000 annually for four years) following criticism over the firm's compensation. The WFC's internal audit had found a $17.5 million deficit, but Beame's audit was delayed for several months due to lawsuits. By February 1965, at least fourteen exhibitors from the 1964 season had declared bankruptcy. Franklin National Bank offered to lend the WFC $3.5 million, but the WFC indicated that it needed only $1 million. Though city officials wanted to oust Moses as the WFC's president, he ultimately retained his position. When Moses said he would spend $6.4 million to renovate Flushing Meadows–Corona Park before repaying debts, the WFC's finance chairman resigned. Two Marine Midland Bank branches provided a $1 million loan to the WFC that March, which the WFC repaid two months later.
  Meanwhile, during the off-season, several exhibitors renovated and modified their pavilions, spending over $7 million in total. At least fifty exhibits were upgraded, and five major attractions were added, along with free entertainments and science demonstrations. New artwork and films were added to several pavilions. The struggling Lake Amusement Area became the Lake Area. The WFC asked the New York City Transit Authority to increase subway service to the fair, and 26 exhibitors collaborated on a promotional campaign. Fifty-three exhibitors proposed that the first week of the 1965 season be called Fair Festival Week, to which Wagner agreed. The WFC produced a promotional film, To the Fair, and individual exhibitors also produced their own films. To reduce its debts, the WFC decreased its budget for the 1965 season and fired some employees.