Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-10-25
augusta County Fair.


Correspondence Of the Alexandria Gazette. !
SrAUNToN, Va, Oct 90 70.--This, the
last day of the Augusta County Fair, is rainy
and disagreeablc, and gives the last stroke to
its prosperity the present season. The receipts
for the three days are about one halt those
OF last year. The causes are many. The events
OF the flood are still fresh 10 the minds Of
your readers, bat Of the extent of the damages
done to this entire section Of country one forms
but faint idea until be sees the destruction
visible on every side. This is one of the causes
that have seriously interfered with the success
of the fair, by cutting railroad communications
so thai exhibitors from q distance could not
ship their stock and wares; by devastating the
surrounding country, so that many of the most
substantial men, with their stock, produce and
other things which 60 to make up fair, we're
unable to be present. | am told the ravages
OF the war did not inhict upon this and adj
cent counties so much damage as the recent
freshet.
The Society's grounds we're also seriously
damaged by the same deVouriDg element, and
the damages they were unable to repair fully.
Then again the recent death and funeral %
gloom over all undertakings, difficult to dispel.
Amid all these difficulties however, the fair
opened on the 18th inst. under more favorable
auspices than was expected.
The attendance, though not as large as on
former occasions, was creditable, as were the
entries in each department. Some excellent
stock was on the ground, including many of
the finest breeds the same may be said OF the
sheep and swine; and the poultry was not be-
hind.
You will always see good horses in this sec.
ton of county and men who know how to ride
and drive them.
The great excitement of the first day and of
the fair was to have been balloon ascension,
but the wind being too strong, Prof. Strong,
the aeronaut. was compelled TO postpone his
trip Cup among the little stars till the
next day. The weather proving more favor
able the balloon Was inflated (by hot air in.
stead Of gas), and up it went with the Profess
sor waving his handkerchief to the astonished
crowd below. In less than five minutes from
the time he went up he was again on terra
1irma, having gone some TWO or three hundred
feet high, and landing about fifty rods from the
starting point. For the little trip understand
he was paid $500 by the Society. A poor in
vestment Tor permanent one, but the people
must be entertained once year at least.
Here as at WytheviIle the rain interiered
with the races, and with the exception Of some
two or three imprompu trials of speed"
those who love that excitement were sadly dis
appointed.
The grand tournament was also to come of
to-day, but that too had to be postponed till
the next tar day, another disappointment for
tho chivarous.
The only thing Of interest to day was the
contest Of sewing machines. There were eleven
entries, including nearly all the leading ma
chimes. The Empire" was awarded the first
premium; so conclude it is the best.
L have seen but one or two representatives
+ ON Alexandra, and presume the fair at Lees
burg attracts them there instead Among the
list OF premiums awarded 1 notice two that be
long to Alexandra, viz: the Wood Mower
and the Landscape Lawn Mower. exhibited by
A. T. Skinner.
There is much excitement here 10 political
circles relative to the candidate for Congress.
j udee Harris, OF Rockingham, who received
the nomination of the Conservative convention
is not we'll supported in this part of the dis
trict, and Mr. Reynolds, of Botetourt county,
is announced as an independent candidate to
oppose him.
There will be four Agricultural Fairs next