Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1898-09-15
THE COUNTY FAIR.
The Wind Storm Makes Some Difference
to the Racers, but the Fair is all
Rjubt


Cumberland County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society, opened Wednes-
day.
1t was hot day, the sun being scorch-
ing until late in the afternoon, when
young cyclone showed up and there was
coal weather came along with the dust
The fair was about like the fair a year
ago. The people went down in hacks,
carriages and on bicycles. They bought
their tickets at the office and gave them
up at the gates.
They went in the grounds and the ex-
hbition buildings. The exhibition tents.
the grand stand, the fakir's booths were
spread before them.
Swing around under the big tent and
the exhibition of poultry is before the
spectator. This exhibit is very fair and
interesting to the fanciers. Under the
same tent is big exhibit of carriages
and vehicles of all sorts placed on exhibit
ton there by various dealers and utanu-
facturers here. W. A. Hemsley, the
manufacturer, had very large exhibit
under special tent
Adjoining the big tent is another small
one, exhibiting various grades of fertili-
zers, together with produce raised by
these goods.
Adjoining the big main building there
is very elaborate display of country
produce. In fact. the managers think the
display much larger than last year,
The fakirs have their midway between
the position occupied by the windmill
and the big grand stand. There were
numerous temporary structures erected,
and in all Of them were some sort of re-
freshment privilege.
There We're few amusement fakirs on
the ground. One fellow had the "Hit the
coon on the head" and another fakir was
in possession of the pitching rings.
All was excitement about the bicycle
track. The races were in fine fettle, they
had enthusiastic admirers, and the con-
tests were pulled off promptly.
The grand stand is not very handy to
the track, and during the afternoon was
grand stand platform had been erected,
and from this there was pleasing vaude-
vile performance. Messrs. Morphet and
Stevenson, clever artists, gave rich pro-
gram of music, magic and mystery. The
performance made clever hit.
1t was about fifteen minutes of four
O'Clock, when dark cloud was noticed
coming up in the West. 1t was not a
dangerous cloud but suddenly, without
an lnstants warning, the cloud burst, and
cyclone of wind swept over the grounds.
1t caught up the dirt and dust from the
two tracks and the air was filled with
clouds impenetrable.
The crowds rushed for a place of safety.
The big exhibition buildings were closed
so that the storm could not do any dam
age there. The grand stand and the
judges stand were soon depopulated.
The tent, covering Hemsley's carriage
exhibit, was soon ripped up and laid a
mass destroyed upon the ground. Sev-
eral of the takers tents were DESTROYED.
Quick work saved the big tent. extra
ropes and lines keeping it in place.
Morris Davis, Deputy Internal Revenue
Collector appeared on the grounds during
the afternoon. He was there to get $40
for expenses of war. The special revenue
law demands this, and the Society gave it
up patriotically.
To-day the political leaders, big and
little. the candidates, and lots of other
people will be on the grounds, and add to
the excitement and attractions. The
races will be especially exciting, and the
fair should wind up with great success.
The closing day of the fair was Thurs
day. 1t was not like the big THURSDAYS
OF years ago. Thousands of people were
not everywhere. The streets leading to
grounds We're not densely packed. 1t
was quiet, the crowds were small, and
the managers are discouraged.
The grounds are too far away; it is too
difficult to get there it costs too much;
the attractions are not sufficient to draw
the people. The future of the fair is un-
certain.
Of course, there were more people there
than wednesday, but there were far too
1reshment privileges were losers with the
rest.
Even the hackmen complained. They
had to fairly fight for loads, something
unprecedented. Bicycles were every
where. The large majority of fair goers
went on wheels. They were stacked all |
over the grounds, and those who were |
checking, We're kept busy.
The main attraction was on the bicycle |
track. The races were good and excited |
the people. The Millville people were in
evidence and in their favorite, Robbins |
they had somebody to cheer all the
while.
The greasy pig was liberated and
caught by boy, and there was one horse
contest, County road race. The con-
testents We're as follows: Warren
Minch's Lady NJ. :" Walter Garrison's
'Maplewood Norval;" DR.. Sites brown
CHARLES IO;abpnanfS