The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-30
JAY COUNTY'S Big FAIR
FINE EXHIBITS OF HORSES, CATTLE
AND FARM PRODUCTS.
Speed Programme Indicates that
There Will Be Some Good Races
Opening q Success.
Special to the Indianapol journal.

Special 10 the Indianapolis Journai
PORTLAND, Ind, Sept. 29.-Jay countys
thirty-first annual fair has begun. but will
not be In full sway until tomorrow, Mon
day always being a day Of preparation
here. From early morning activity was
manifest on every hand. The privilege
men who had not already set up for bust
ness were getting their stands in readiness,
the eating house proprietors were looking
after their arrangements to feed the peo-
pie expected, while farther down in the
spacious grounds grooms were cleaning up
and leading about sleek horses, which will
be out for exhibition later on in the week.
The hiss of the gander, the ROSTERS crow
and the quacking of geese. with now and
then the COO of a pigeon. drew attention to
the poultry exhibit, where many varieties
are on exhibition, and many more will be
by morning.
The exhibit of fine cattle includes a num-
Der of herds. The breeds include Short
Horns, Polled Durhams, Herefords, Polled
Jerseys, Jerseys and Attorneys. The swine
and sheep sheds are well filled. In the way
of horses there are more than ever before.
those for exhibit exceeding the stall room.
During Sunday and to-day the majority
of the speed animals to be seen on the
track, beginning tomorrow afternoon, ar
rived. The number OF entries made for speed
is about one hundred, amply sufficient to
insure an abundance of track sport.
The agricultural hall Is filled with good
things. In one end are fruits. canned and
preserved, jellies and the like; also cakes
and bread, pickles, wine, ETC. In the oppo-
site end is big array of farm products,
county down to plates Of luscious grapes,
Of apples, pears and peaches. Grains and
grasses are also represented with hand
The lower floor of the big art hall is oc-
cupied with displays by the merchants of
the city, embracing pianos and other mu-
steal instruments, stoves and fancy hard
ware harness and other horse fittings while
the center is taken up with potted plants.
their bright bloom and green foliage pre-
Senting pretty contrast. The upstairs
of the same building is occupied by more
local exhibits, also fancy work, painting
and drawing, etc.
Throughout the grounds are numerous
displays of agricultural implements. dozens
of sorts Of patent fencing windmills, plows,
corn harvesters. in fact many things pleas
ing to the eye of the farmer.
Provision has been made to furnish meals
for as many as come. Several of the local
churches have fitted up booths. and not
few from other points are on hand pre-
pared to feed the hungry. A half dozen
usual accompaniment of merry-go-rounds,
miniature railways, dancing platforms and
other places of amusement
Tomorrow is children's day, and every
school child In Jay county Is privileged to
full run of the grounds The racing card
for the afternoon is quite a good one, in
Guiding 2:T trot, purse $3.50, and 2:25
pace with a purse of $3.50 In addition to
these the little ones will be treated to the
four acts which have been made special
features, these consisting Of acrobatic per-
formances, barrel tumbling, the Mora con-
tortionists and the trick carriage.
Many Of the owners of pacing horses have
their eye on the extra prize of 500 which
is to be given to the best horse beating the
track record of 207% made last year by
Edith W., at that time the fastest mile ever
paced by mare over half-mile track I'm
the world, and this will insure good racing
Thursday will be the day for the largest
crowd, but the programme of racing events
shows that Friday will AFFORD the finest
sport in that line.
The speed entry list was given out to-day
and makes a very creditable showing some
of the pacing events running up to fifteen
and sixteen horses. Numbered among those
on the books are Little Squaw, Billy Mack,
Slumber. jr, Maggie Anderson and other
names familiar to track frequenters.
Although to-day has been gloomy and for
bidding, everything moved with activity,
| the management of the Jay county fair not
| being of the sort to be deferred by little
| threatening weather. and no matter what
| happens not a premium will be scaled.
| The track is little soggy, but few hours
| of sunshine and brisk narrowing will put
n in,