Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-09-13
IA. MAINE, THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER l3. 1888
paiIu kennfhfr :Jnurnal.
The Approaching Fairs.

| Now that the season for the holding of
Annual Rural Fairs is rapidly approaching
it is In order tor farmers, fruit growers.
gardeners. and all others interested-es-
pecially farmers wives and daughters
| to make arrangements to become exhib-
tors. Nearly everywhere there are not
only State and County Fairs, but also various
local exhibitions, so that almost every one
is disposed to display the products of his
or her skill and industry will have oppor-
tunity to do so at one or more places with
out much expense or Inconvenience. This
is not only true in regard to the Eastern
and Middle States. but as to many of the
comparatively new commonwealthS of the
West and South, as some of the latter have
more organizations which hold annual
shows and fairs than have any of the origi-
nal Thirteen Stars in the galaxy of the
| Union. Not few farmers and others
are wont to show the same articles at two
or more exhibitions Estate. County. Local,
etc, y when easily accessible; but thuse
who purpose displaying articles at only
one show should be making preparation,
especially if its entry books close early.
as do of late years those of severel prom
inent associations. Ii is therefore. in
order for all intending exhibitors at one
or more fairs the coming Autumn to not
only give early attention to preparing ar
ticles and animals. but also to making
proper entries in due season. so that there
may be no failure for lack of readiness
Where entry books are closed some DAYS
and even weeks in advance of the opening
of an exhibition Gas is the case with the
New York State and some other large
tairs). competitors should not daily with
that proverbial thief of time, procrastina-
ton.
While, in the judgment of net few
good people, there are grave objections to
prominent features OF some of our rural
fairs. there can be no question as to the
benefits derivable from such as are proper
ly conducted and hence those who realize
the necessity OF reform in management
should give their personal attention and
influence in that direction. This is the
true way to institute salutary and perma-
nent reform. People who. very property,
object to horse racing, liquor-selling, gam.
bling. and other demoralizing features.
should take proper action to suppress all
cucb IL Il, bn;
to attend the annual meetings of their re-
spective societies, use their best efforts to
elect only good men and true" as mana
gers, ard then be present at the exhbi-
tions and exert their influence against per
mitting anything disreputable. This is
the true course to pursue, instead of keep
ing aloof, as many do-thus allowing the
management to continue or pass into the
hands of spectators. semi-sportsmen.
or other unfit parties-and afterwards
complaining of the faults of com
mission or omission which their presence,
voice and example might have prevented.
Indeed the best and as rule the only way
to inaugurate and maintain reform is for
right thinking and influential ruralists TO
control their own organizations, and not
allow either office seekers, politicians,
spectators or sporting men Gin fU, peo-
pie who ''live by their wits" rather than
by honest industry to occupy the promi-
nent positions or direct the management
of the exhibitions
But we have digressed somewhat, our
chief purpose in the outset being to call
attention to the Importance of making
early preparations for the approaching
exhibitions. And we trust that all our
readers who desire to contribute to the
success of their fairs, as instructors, bene-
factors and rural re-unions-as promoters
of real progress and improvement among
tho producers of the couutry-will do what
they can to augment the interest of any
and every exhibition in which they may
participate