Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-11
STATE FAIRS.

Expressions of regret are frequently
heard in this city. and throughout Vir-
ginia, that the State fairs so long held
here have been abandoned.
Time was when those fairs drew peo-
pie from all parts of the Commonwealth;
when they were looked upon as great
family reunions-congresse Of Virgin
ians-and when they were both profitable
and creditable 10 Richmond. But times
changed, and the fairs changed with
them. Cheap excursion tickets set our
people TO travelling far and wide; there
was an Exposition somewhere every year
nearly, and Richmond lost to places
having greater attractions. Finally the
income of the Agricultural Society did
not suffice to meet its expenditures. and
help from this city was constantly re-
CURED
And. as we look back at 1t now, in the
ripeness of our experience. and in the
fulness Of our dearly-bought wisdom, we
may well doubt if our Grand Exposition
In 1857 advantaged us as We had supposed
1t would do. That was the beginning Of
q financial tangle of ,ne society that only
ended with the sale of their property.
For the Observation-Disclosures connected
with the society's history during the Ex-
position period, the Dispatch is willing to
bear its due share of blame and respOn-
sibiity. We are not seeking to revive UNI
pleasant recollections, but we must say
that. after the Exposition was held, our
fairs declined faster than ever. 1t was
a new instance Of looking upon that pic
ture and on this. The fairs suffered in
the comparison. They lacked attractive
Iess; they lacked popular support. The
newspaper men certainly did their duty
by them, but it was dreadfully drudging
work 10 write them up year after year.
Their monotonousness foreshadowed the
end that came.
This IS an age Of novelties, and the
State fair. or exposition, that is without
"A constant succession of novelties cannot
succeed. 1t was impossible for us to con-
tinue such fairs as we had been having
for several years just prior 10 their dis
continuance. Exhibitors were lacking,
and the attendance, quite naturally, fell
of.
II such fairs were creditable TO Richmond,
and few were found to say they were.
And then the grounds were sold under
mortgage, and the fairs ceased. But the
grounds and the most valuable buildings
on them, though in private hands, re-
main. and, we suppose, are ready for use
whenever our people wish to have any
great exhibition. Annual State fairs are
not likely 20 be revived; but, on occasions,
We might easily organize exhibitions of
some sort 20 coyer three or four days; ex-
hibitions that would bring thousands OF
visitors to Richmond. and give entertain
pent 10 the country and city folk, alike.
Better a good entertainment every two
or three years than poor one annually.
Better, too, that we should work upon
plan that would be safely within our
means that that we should venture upon
an undertaking too great for our strength.
IL we mistake not, 1t viii not be long
before the Richmond and Virginia pub
lie give signs OF a craving for some sort
OF fair, or exposition. or other entertain
ment that will brighten the city. bring
our friends here 20 see us. and convince
the world that Richmond is lively, hope
inl, and "in for business"
suchean enterprise might well be Under
taken. by some one Of Richmond's exist
Ing organizations. and. II begun year
ahead, and pushed properly. would almost
certainly meet with success