Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-03
BIG SUCCESS
MARKS STATE
FAIR
VALD0STA THR0NGED WITH
THOUSANDS OF VISITORS.
RACES PROVE AN ATTRAC-
TIVE FEATURE.

VALDOSTA, Ga. Nov. 1.-The first four
days Of the State fair have been an un-
precedented success. The crowds have
been much larger than were anticipated.
especially since a powerful circus swoop-
ed down upon the town on the first day.
and fairs are seldom finished under two
or three days after the time for opening.
The second day, however. brought inn
mense crowds and yesterday a much bet
ter crowd was on the grounds to take in
all of the sights. Everything was in much
better shape than on the former days,
though the last of the very attractive
features did not arrive until today.
The Indians from the everglades Of
Florida, fifteen in number arrived last
night and were carried to the fair grounds
from the train. Today the ostriches from
the Florida ostrich farm put in their ap-
pearance. Both Of these features are very
attractive since the average citizen Of
this section knows very little of the do
nestle habits of either the giant birds or
the red men.
The musical program which was render
ed yesterday afternoon under the leader
ship of Mrs. Harry Young, of Atlanta, and
under the auspices of the Federation Of
Woman's Clubs. was a superb feature.
1t consisted entirely of vocal music by
some of the leading vocalisIs of Atlanta
assisted by vocalists from this city and
section, A large crowd was in the audi
forum and the concert proved to be a
delightful feature. 1t and the model
school, which is a part of the educational
department, promise TO be very popular
features with a majority OF the visitors
to the fair grounds.
The racing features this week have con-
sisted entirely of running races, though
trotting and pacing races will be put on
next Monday and win continue every af-
ternoon during the week, running races
being given also nearly every afternoon.
There one hundred and fifty horses in
the stables and some fine races are ex-
pected.
One of the most unique features Of next
week will be the great wiregrass parade
on next Wednesday, consisting of a pa
rade of agricultural exhibits, the wagons
being fixed UP In attractive style to repre-
sent farm life in the wiregrass regions.
The novel procession will move around the
race track at the park and will be Witness
ed by thousands. 1t is on the carnival
idea, paraphrased by the wiregrass farm
ers to give the outside world an idea OF
what they are doing.
Many of the farmers of Lowndes coun-
ty will be in this procession, while Ber-
rien, Colquitt, Brooks Mitchell and other
nearby counties are expected to contrib
ute to it. During the state fair. two years.
ago, parade of this sort by the Brooks
county farmers, was one of the best fea-
lures.
Valdostans and the people OF all OF
this section gave Governor Terrell a
warm reception on his visit Thursday and
the governor made many new friends by
his visit. At a reception rendered him
by the citizens in the Elk parlors, NUM-
Der Of speeches were made praising Val
dosta for the pluck which a city Of her
size displayed in reacning out after a
state fair and then pushing 1t to such an
unprecedented success. Governor Terrell
declared that such a spirit of enterprise
had never come to his knowledge before,
while President hughes of the agricultu-
raj society echoed the words and added
eulogy to them.
Secretary Crittendon declared that state
fairs in Georgia were practically dead un-
til Valdosta took hold of one two years
ago and infused such life into IL as to
make it a new and more vigorous insti-
tuition in Georgia. All of the speakers
agreed that a great future is in store for
South Georgia and that valdosta's enter
prise would make her great city in the
future.
It was announced today that the prerii-
ums in the horse show would be announce
ed Monday for harness classes and on
Tuesday for the others.
The exhibit of cattle, sheep and hogs
will be made in front of the grand stand
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings
and the premiums announced.
This week has brought ideal weather
for the fair and If 1t continues the next
week viii witness the largest crowds
that have ever gathered together in the
wiregrass section of Georgia.