Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-02-12
USE srArp FAIR PROJECT.

1 AT the lhct mcctlu8 VI tuC chsSi H''o
ing gentlemen who have undertaken to
orsanixe State Fair at this city, it was
estimated that the sum Of S2O,0O
would be necessary to put the project on
its feet, and q committee was appointed
to solicit subscriptions to this fund.
II ought not to fail for want OF the
sum Of $40, 900, or twice that amount
aad we don't think it will.
Such an enterprise would be OF IN
finite value TO the business interests oil
the CITY, and OF more or less profit to the
whole State. ,
There are few cities OF the size oil
Wheeling, that have not some annual
exhibition of public character, afford
ing a display OF the industries OF the
people and awakening spirit OF COM
petition among ali classes OF producers
We have around US a large. busy
population, contained in three adjoin-
ing States, which are interested IN this
movement. Our nsighbors in Ohio and
PENNSYLVANIA will contribute to the sue
cess Of the enterprise quite as readily as
our own people, il an invitation is ex-
tended TO them. And whether they be-
come stockholders or not, they will be
competitors for the premiums and add
spice 10 the annual contests for superior
ity in all the departments.
The assumption that the enterprise
will not be remunerative to the stock
holders, is not to be taken as matter OF
course. 1t may be, and ought to be
made a reasonably good investment.
This depends entirely upon the plan
upon which it is established and con-
Quoted.
The difficulty in making such institu.
tons a success, lies in the fact that they
are allowed to become monotonous, and
no pains is taken to make each years
programme fresh and novel.
The most successful public fair in the
United States is the st. Louis fair; and
it is maintained by virtue OF its perfect
system in all the departments, by which
visitors have every opportunity to see
and appreciate whatever is offered for
exhibition, and they go way feeling ie-
paid for the visit and anxious to return
each recurring season.
For example, the arrangement for the
display of all live stock is on this wise;
An amphitheatre containing seats for
one hundred thousand people, encioses
a circle OF one-fourth oil n mile. In the
centre OF this circle is pavilion in
which a brass band is seated, and on
the floor below the band, the judges
who award the premiums are stationed.
Each class of animals competing for
premiums is called into this arena, one
class at a time, and examined by the
judges in the presence OF the surround
ing throng OF spectators. In some in
stances the contest becomes very spirit
ed and exciting, and when the decision
is made it is indicated by one oil the
judges attaching blue, red or white
ribbon respectively, to the animals
awarded first, second and third pre-
miums. Thus all the spectators partici-
pate, as it were, in the contests, and are
permitted to see the results. The con-
tests are not carried on in secret by a
committee huddled together i'll fence
corner, as in most public fairs, and the
decision as to the premiums awarded
are not concealed from. everybody but
the parties contesting, but the contest is
made the liveliest feature OF the fair, and
the award Of the premiums in the pres
ence OF an immense assem5lage, gives
additional value to the prize, and stimu-
lates competition more than the most
liberal offers of money could do.
The same systematic arrangement ex-
lists in all departments Of the exhibit
ton. 1t is fair for spectators as well
as for exhibitors, and that makes it both
popular and profitable. II an institu-
ton on such plan is established in this
city, we will guarantee that it will pay.
Both stockholders and visitors will find
it profitable. 1t is with these institu-
tons as with all others, everything de-
ponds upon the management.