The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-07-05
Crowds Flock TO Fair Grounds
and East Lake
DAY WITHOUT CASUALTIES
Races at the Fair Grounds Are Close
and Exciting and Delight Large
Numbers of siehtseers-A
Big cakewalk.

served in Birmingham yesterday, there
being more amusements and more cele-
brations in Birmingham than ever be-
fore. At every park and pleasure re-
sort in and arolhd the city there was
a programme in me afternoon and at
night So far as is known there were no
casualties from toy pistols or fire works.
Flags and bunting were hung from the
stores and houses of the city and all
day long the crack of the small fire
cracker and the bang of the cannon
cracker could be heard. The fun started
early and ended late. Long before mid
night of the third the occasional sound
of fire crackers could be heard, and now
and then a rocket shot skyward, or the
regular ball from a Roman candle would
lightup the surrounding houses for a
few seconds.
Last night in the extreme west of the
city the Elks were burning money in
large quantities with a fire works ex-
hibit that was one of the best ever seen
here. In the opposite end of the city the
managers of East Lake were giving their
fireworks exhibit, which rivalled that Of
the Elks. In all directions the sky rock
cts and Roman candles could be seen at
frequent intervals.
Theatres Well Patronized.
At both OF the summer theatres there
were two performances. At East Lake
there were large crowds at both perfor-
renees, and Lakeview was well patron
lied. The street cars were packed from
daylight until late OF night, carrying
pleasure seekers.
Post @. A. Custer. G. A R., and Post
Abraham Limo oln, G. A. r., gave pic
mic at North Birmingham Park. The
wives and daughters of the members were
present, and the occasion was greatly
enjoyed.
The Ian gest crowd OF the day was prob
ably gathered at the fair grounds to aid
the Elks in celebrating. Nearly 5000 peo-
pie were in the grounds and grandstand
before the o'clock storm came up. There
were hundreds OF women and children
who came out expecting to spend the ar
ternoon and then remain at night to see
the fireworks. Hundreds of others intend
ed going out lest night. The rain inter
Ie1TeQ Will lIt dtIdi6tktttitto "a AAehy
but there must have been 1900 people on
the grounds at different times during the
day. When 1t was seen the storm was
passed over n any went to the fair
grounds In time to witness the fireworks,
which commenced about o'clock. Others
sought East Lake snd LaKeview.
Elks Give Parade.
The Elks commenced Their celebration
yesterday morning about IL o'clock. They
met at their hall on the corner of Fourth
avenue and Twentieth street and went to
the fair grounds In body. Many Of them
wore small white caps and carried UNI
brellas which were made or white and
purple, the coiors of the EllKs.
A barbecue was prepared early in the
day and numbers partoof of it. The
crowd, which commenced going to the
fair grounds early in the day. enjoyed
itself throwing eggs at a negro's head,
dr mixing red lemonade and eating pea
nuts and candy. Other side amusements
were furnished.
The races commenced about O'Clock.
They were much better than expected,
many of the heats being neck and neck.
Several times the horses went around
the track twice without daylight showing
between The rear wheel of the sullsy and
the front Of the second horse.
Although the time was not as fast as
has been seen en- other tracks, the races
were as pretty es any could wish. Every
heat was run straight and every one
was satisfied with the result. No kicks
were heard about the races being fixed
as is sometimes the case on southern
tracks, which are not under the direc-
ton of the racing association.
The First Race.
Rain broke up the sport for a while
and came near stopping it entirely, blu:
the judges decided the horses could
stand up in the mud, so the races were
continued. although the track was very
heavy.
The first race $50 trot. went to Tom
Boam, who won the first two heats, was
second in the third and In the fourth.
DR.. Bramlett got second and The
Kid third. Ali the heats were not fin
ic.hed on account of the rain.
Following the first race the fourth on
the programme WAS pulled off. 1t was
a running race of five furlongs, and went
to Tom Peden in a walk. Many thought
Denial looked good to win. but he was
not in good condition. Peden was sew
eral engths to the goco when he showed
his head across the wire.
The 2:4o pace was probably the pretticst
race ever seen In Birmingham. 1t would
be hard to imagine a better one unless
4bo tir,o uas n IiftIe better Will Rra M