The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-05
DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS
ELABORATE PROTECTING PRO-
GRAMME AT FAIRvIEw.
An Immese Crowd Witnessed the Red
Fire-Fireworls Also .Shot on"
at Fair Bank.

The fireworks at Fairview Park last
night were perhaps the most beautiful ever
seen in the city. The display was in an
open field southeast Of the park where the
thousands who had remained over from the
days celebration and those who went out
last night TO see the elaborate spectacle
could view il from a safe distance. The
mechanical devices that were used in the
fireworks and the large framework were
several hundred yards away from the
crowd, so that the operators worked with
out being hampered. There was also no
danger, and the thousands spread out
across the broad field so that all could see.
The attention OF the crowd in the park
was attracted to the fireworks about 8
o'clock by loud booming like that of a
cannon and a gorgeous display of brilliant
red lights. The lights resembled great balls
of fire. and so brilliant were they that all
other objects in the background were hid,
giving them the appearance of floating
about a few feet above the ground. Then
great skyrockets shot high in the air and
scattered myriads OF bright and radiapt
colors that lighted up the entire field. The
fireworks were shot off, rapidly. Occa-
sionally great pillars OF fire and spars were
sent into the air, and in the midst would
be spinning wheels of fire throwing more
sparks in all directions. A set piece would
relieve the chaotic display Of rockets. can
dies, flower pots and shooting stars at
short intervals. generally portraying a
scene familiar TO the spectators.
MANY SET PIECES.
The first design on the framework in the
field was Welcome" in big and artistic
letters of fire. Among the most beautiful
set pieces that were shown were The Pas
sion Flower" Washington. on Horse
back" "Our Flag "Bombardment of
Peking,' The Chinese Mandarin 1.-The
Country's Emblem" and Goodnight" All
of the pieces were elaborate in desis.. and
the mechanical arrangement was so perfect
that there was not a hitch in the whole
programme. The Chinese Mandarin was
especially fine. In this set the noise was
terrific, it being said that 10,OOG hrecrackers
were necessary to complete the spectacle,
and the continuous rattle that came from
over the field .bore out the statement. II
is said that this display is given by the
Chinese in their w country every year.
The "Bombardment of Picking" was an
other piece especially appreciated, and dur
ing the scene the whole heavens were
lighted UP by a red glare and ones ears
were almost deafened by the roar.
Nearly all the people remained until
after the fireworks and then there was a
grand rush for cars. The street-car COM
pany had plenty on hand and handled the
crowd better than usual. Employees of the
company stood at the station and by con-
tinually shouting 10 the crowd to keep
back succeeded in avoiding a crush. The
cry Don't crowd from the back there;
there's children here in front answered
the purpose whether II was either used as
a ruse or in earnest. Then the people
seem to have become better educated I'm
boarding cars in crowds and took more
time than usual. AS a result all got away
quickly. but IT was midnight before there
were comfortable seats to spare in any of
the cars.