The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-17
STATE FAIR.
Opening of the Big Show at
Narragansett Park.

What promises to be the largest exhibi-
tion ever given by the Rhode Island State
Fair Association opened with rush this
morning at the Society's spacious grounds
at Cranston. From the moment that
the big gates were thrown ajar crowds
of people poured through the entrance.
Most OF these, however, were ladened with
bundles and parcels OF various sorts,
which circumstance betokened their
character as exhibitors. The visitors will
are that they will swell the
attendance for the week to an
unprecedented figure; that is IL the
weather proves more propitous than to-
day.
Ii as decidedly gloomy all the morn
ing. The sun didn't shine little bit and
the sky wore a worried look which was
more or less reflected in the countenances
of the officials. From time to time there
was sprinkle OF rain which was not ex-
actly encouraging and the North wind
added to the unpleasantness of the day.
The general countenance OF the Indian
on the big copper penny OF the "NEws'
exhibit smiled blandly, however, at The
spectators on the midway and the un-
certain music of the merry go rounds
blended with the sound of the hammer
and the cry of the fakirs.
These same fakirs are very much in evil
derce this year and occupy much in
creased amount OF space. You can take
your choice from the blond snake charm
er TO the strong man; it is all the same.
A glance through the various depart
ments shows that order is at hast begin
ming to appear out of a previous chaotic
state of affairs. 1t is a decided case of
hustle to get the exhibits all in shape for
the visitors later in the day, and every
body Is anxious.
The Merchants Display
is filled to its utmost capacity. While the
bench and poultry EXHIBITS are ahead OF
all previous records.
The chief interest Of the morning CEN
tered at the race track where few of the
flyers were circling the course by the way
of exercise. The track is not in the best
of condition by any means and the brief
downpour of last evening didn't help its
quality.
shortly before the opening event OF the
day Ed. Bass, the driver Of Isaac Saunder-
son of Willimantic, sustained
A Painful Accident.
He was speeding the yearling filly Alley
S, and had failed to take the precaution
OF using kicking strap. Just below the
east end of the grandstand the filly
kicked viciously, striking Bass slightly
above the left eye, infiicting deep cash.
Bass nose was broken, but the injury,
though painful, will probably not prove
of serious character. DIR. Mowry OF
Cranston, who was at hand, dressed the
wound.
The races were not promptly started.
They were scheduled for 10:30 o'clock,
but it was nearly one before the first
event was trotted. The pool sellers who,
since the June meet, have become feat
ure Of the Park, did not put in prompt
appearance, and the addition which has
been built on the southeast end of the
grand stand building for their accom-
when the racing began. Four
chicken coop arrangements were the
only evidence OF their existence during
the morning. There will be no lack OF
attractions of this sort, however, later on
in the week.
Beside the bookmakers made known to
the Rhode Island sports last June, there
is the
French Mutual Method
at which money can be lost with as
much neatness and dispatch as in the
American method There are also on
hand a couple of wheels which promise to
entertain visitors later on.
In front of the grand stand the erection
Of the vaudeville stage IL receiving its
finishing touches in the way OF apparatus
and decoration, but the performers had
few TO entertain and did not appear.
The track events numbered four all
told. The first yearling stake with five
entries for n mile dash, stake 500. There
In also trotting in the $40 class, 16 entries,
pusso $500; a 2:2o pacing event, rs entries,
purse $50, and two -yonr-oid $1,000 stake
race in the 3 100 class, with nine entries.