Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1868-11-03
AUGUSTA COUNTY FAIR. y
First Annual Exhibition,
October 27th, 2Sth and Goth, 1868,
GRAND SUCCESS (!

LRAND bDttE66
The "Augusta County Fair was Inaugural
ted most auspiciousy at the Fair Grounds near
this place last week, and its first Exhibition was,
in every respect, most triumphant success,
surprising Interpretation of the most sanguine.
1t was, in many respects, the most entertain>
ing Fair which has ever been held in this State.
The number of persons present has never been
exceeded, except possibly by the State Fair
before the war, but in appearance, character
and good order the thousands assembled at this
Fair exceed, by universal acknowledgment,
any similar assemblage ever convened in this
State on any occasion. There was absolutely
nothing to mar the pleasure of the occasion
there was no disorder of any character, no &C.
cident, and the weather, during thewhole time,
was remarkably favorable-the skies being
bright, and the temperature pleasant All
seemed to enjoy themselves On the first day,
it seemed that ''a the world and the rest of
mankind" were present, and on the second day
there was marked improvement both in kind
and degree, and it seemed that all the world
and the rest of aoomankind were present, and
on the third day there were nearly as many
present as on the scond day.
The vast array of beautiful and lovely ladies,
and genteel and handsome gentlemen, who lin
ed for quarter of mile the natural amphi-
theatre overlooking the race track, presented
a scene of beauty and interest worthy the pen
oil of the artist. The spectacle wasin the highs
est degree pleasing and imposing, and excited,
even in the bosoms of the most lethargic, emo
tons of delight and admiration.
The various sports and amusements, which
formed no uncomfortable portion of the pro-
gramme, constituted novel and pleasing features
of the exhibition. The ladies exhibited their
skill in Archery and Croquet, and the gentle
men and boys competed with each other for the
honors in the Tournament, in Foot-races, Leap
ing, Base Ball, Wrestling, rolling wheelbar-
rows blindfod, &c.
These features of the exhibition furnished
enjoyment to those who had already gratifed
their curiosity in examining the horses cattle,
sheep, swine, poultry, farming Implements,
Agricultural machinery, House hold Imple-
trees, Flowers, Vegetables, Wines, Liquors,
Butter, Grain, Waddell's patent Churn, Cave
specimens, Minerals, Embroidery, Oil Paint
ings, and the thousand and one specimens of
Art and Nature on exhibition, which we have
not the space to mention more specifically.
1t would afford us pleasure to give some
special notice of number of articles, richly
deserving of it, exhibited by citizens of Staun-
ton and Augusta county, if we had the space
to do So As it is, we must forego that pleas
ure.
The exercises of the first day which excited
the most interest were the ceremonies of dedi-
cation, which consisted of prayer by Rev. DR..
j. S. Baird an address of welcome by Col
Jno. b. Baldwin, President; and the dedica.
ton address by Hon. A. H. H. Stuart.
These appropriate addresses will be found on
the first page.
After these exercises, there was a general dis
play of horses upon the course, examination of
stock and articles exhibited.
The most attractive and entertaining feature
OF the second days exercises was the delivery
by Commodore Matthew F. Maury of very
instructive address
This address, as reported for the Spectator,
will also be found on the first page
Second In interest to this address on this day
was the contest for the premium by the Ladies'
Archery Club Of this place.
The other exercises of this day consisted of
trial of fast and trained horses on the course.
and the exhibition of draught and saddle
horses. On this day. there were eight thou
sand persons present. This, we learn. was the
estimate of Gen. R. e. Lee When this dis.
tlngushed General entered the Fair Grounds
IN the morning, the welkin was made to ring
with cheer after cheer
On Thursday, the 3rd and last day. the in
terest In the exhibition was kept up. On this
DAY the blowing matches took place, also exhi-
bltlon on the course of various kinds of horses
In succession.
Inc various committees reported and the
premiums were awarded. A meeting of the
Corporators was held at which Col Baldwin
was reelected President, and Messrs. J. Wavt
Bell and JAS. W. Crawford were elected Direc.
tors to supply the vacancy occasioned by the
expiration of the term of James Henderson
and Capt Antrim. Two directors 90 out every
year.
The exercises of the day were concluded at
the Fair Grounds by the Grand Tournament in
which 80 knights entered the lists. The crown
ing of the Queen of Love and Beauty took
place at the American Hotel at nine o'clock at
night.
Though this Fair was such triumphant sue
cess, and afforded so much pleasure to the
thousand of both sexes in attendance, it is but
an earnest of what succeeding Fairs will be-
It should be remembered that this is not only
the first exhibition of the Augusta County
Fair, but that there was not sufficient time to |
get the Grounds and buildings in order. By