The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-08-02
FAIR AND YET FOWL
IT'S IN MINNESOTA'S GREAT AG-
RICULTURAL SHOW.

The prosperity which the Minnesota
state fair has enjoyed for two or three
years past has been taken advantage
of by the management to largely in
crease the premiums in the poultry
department. This department will be
one of the great points Of interest. Last
year the accommodations were too
small, but this year a large building
formerly used for the dining hall, has
been placed at the disposal of the poul-
try department, giving four times the
space occupied last year. The cash
premiums offered aggregate 5000, which
is sure to stimulate the display. There
We're over 1000 occupants of the coops
last year, and it will not be surprising
to see that number doubled.
The racing entries close tonight and
definite results will not be known until
tomorrow, but all the indications point
to the races at the state fair being the
best seen in the state in years. Promi-
nent horse men are planning to bring
notable racing stock to our fair.
The premiums offered for creamery
butter have been doubled and the in
crease has been general all along the
line. Last year but $500 was offered
for county exhibits, while this years
premiums amount to 81 200. 1t will pay
farmers in every county in the state
to furnish county exhibits, for in no bet
ter way can the value of their farms
be determined. A generous rivalry
between different localities in the state
will be Of great advantage.
The horse, cattle, sheep and poultry
exhibits will be larger than ever, as
the entries already exceed the aggre-
gate of many years during the history
Of the fair, and there is still a month
remaining. In machinery all the labor
saving appliances conceivable will be on
exhibition.
During the past week the manage
ment have added some amusement at
fractions. One of them is a novelty in
the shape of a log rolling contest. A
large and deep trench will be dug in
frCnt of the grand stand and filled with
water. A saw log will be fioated and
two experienced logging men will mount
to determine who can ride it the long
est with ease and safety. The feat con-
sists of one of the men dumping his
companion in the water by manipulate
ing, as lumber men actually do in max
ing drive. A cord will be tied around
the log at it's center, and each rider
must keep on his own side of the cord
They are allowed no balancing poles,
and must depend upon their spiked
boots for their footing. In addition
to the professionals having charge of
the matter, prizes will be offered for
those who wish to contest.
Another amusement attra ctiOn will
be the appearance of William Shields,
the famous bicycle rider, known as
'Rube." Owing to the verdancy of
his appearance, his feats on the bicycle
are something especially attractive.
These exhibitions will be given between
the races every day, and will make
the grand stand a point of advantage
for large amount of enjoyment.
1t is an open question whether the
balloon ascension of the dog will take
place, owing to the protest of D. r.
Noyes, president of the Humane So
ciety. but there will be a number of
ascensions by a man and a woman,
who will make the parachute leap,
whether the dog does or not.
Added to this, every evening will be
carnival night in the Twin Cities,
where free street parades, band con-
certs, fireworks, etc, will be given. Add
ing all these incidental features to the
solid display at the fair, the people Of
Minnesota have a rare entertainment
in prospect from Sept. to II.