Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-04-13
The State Fair.

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There are many reasons which readily
suggest themselves why the State Agri-
cultural Fairs should be held at Augusta
If they are to be permanently located.
These reasons have great deal Of weight
with the trustees, who are now consider
ing the subject of locating the Fairs at
some point in the State. for the next five
years.
The means of conveyance to this city
from all parts of the State are ample and
convenient. The railroad running through
Augusta is the main trunk line for travel
and transportation through the State. 1t
connects with every other railroad and
every steamboat line in the State. 1t is
ably managed. and can furnish good facil-
ties tor any possible amount of transpor-
tation that may be needed.
Augusta is also a central point in the
very best farming community in the State.
The Kennebec valley is the flower and
garden of Maine. The people live large
ly by agriculture. They are devoted to
and take pride in their business. Their
fields. their buildings. cattle, horses,
swine. sheep, orchards and gardens are uu.
surpassed. To whatever tends to promote
the interest Of farmers they are thorough
ly wide awake. We might mention in
Kennebec county alone large number Of
model farms, of superior stock breeding es-
adjustments, of orchards and gardens
that are credit to the State. The agri-
cultural interest dominates every other in
this section. The Fairs then if establish
ed in this city would be in an atmosphere
essentially agricultural. They would not
be over-topped or contolled by small trad
ers or big traders. or be swallowed up
by the inevitable horse trot. There would
never fail to be big show of articles
purely agricultural and horticultural,
amongst an immediate population who
would appreciate and understand genu-
inc farmers show.
Our city being the capital fthe State is
also more visited by the people than any
other city. Every county and town come
here by their representatives. who become
acquainted with our people and with peo-
pie from all parts of the State, and are
more at home here than they can be else
where outside of their own immediate
localities. This is the common centre
where they meet and have peculiar rights
and privileges, and right here in this
place where their laws are made and the
State government is located should the
farmers Of the State plant their stakes for
their great annual Show and Fair.
But unless our people in this city and
vicinity do something liberal to have the
State Fair established here it will be
drawn away by enterprising competitors.
who are willing to plant penny that they
may grow dollar. The Fair will not
come here by whistling for it. Those
who desire it to come must make their
wishes known in substantial manner and
work for it also. A niggardly spirit
among our citizens who would be bene-
fitted by it if it was established here will
kill the project as certainly as frost in
June will kill the tender corn Our hotel
keepers, merchants and traders of all
kinds. livery stable proprietors. boarding
house keepers. and in fine nearly every
body would receive some pecuniary ad-
vantage from the Fair. and everybody
would be gratified by the exhibition.
We understand the trustees are favor
ably inclined to locating the Fair in this
city, and all that is needed is generous aid
from our citizens to fix it here for five
years. We hope so worthy an object. so
clearly for our advantage, will receive the
liberal encouragement which it deserves.
Let our people wake up, take hold of the
subject in earnest and with becoming
spirit. and make sure that this opportunity
be not lost by fatal neglect.