The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-07-27
Work Progressing on the Fair
for October
MANAGER MACKNIGHT TALKS
Tells of the Advantages That Various
States Derive From Their Fairs.
Brings immigration and
Improves Stock.

| i ne Alabama state tdlf Association Is
flaming to bring before the legislature
next winter a plan for the state to support
an annual fair to be held in Birmingham.
7 he fair of this fall will give an indica-
ticn of advantages to be derived from
such an enterprise, and it is believed that
the propo sal for consistent and liberal
state id will be received with favor
Nearly all the states appropriate liberal
sums each year for premiums TO their
state fsifs, and Alabama will not long
remain at the tail end of the procession
in this respect. Kentucky passed a bill
in February last gisnting $4,000 a year
to its state fair for premiums. The lower
house was almost III animous in approx
ing the bill, and when ii went TO the
senate 1t was received as a measure which
was destined to do much for the upbuild-
ing of the live stock and agricultural in
terests of the state. Speaking on this sub
! ject General Manager MacKnight said
yesterday:
"In order to encourage stock growing
| and the spread of diversified farming TO
an extent that will enable the state to
| feed its own people. Alabama will be
obliged to take active steps along the
line which Kentucky and most of the
other states have adopted. Few persons
realize at the present time that scarcely
any of the meat, vegetables, dairy pro-
! ducts and other food stuffs consumed
/ by the city people of Alabama are pro-
| duced in this state. The summer mar
kets are in part supplied but nearly all
of the winter provisions come from other
states
Stock Feed Imported.
ut Is the same with grain and hay for
stock-nearly the entire supply of these
commodities in Birmingham and other
cities of the state. with few exceptions,
are shipped in from the west and north
Another curious fact is that the young
cattle are nearly all shipped out of the
state to be fattened on the western plains.
This Is why one so rarely sees piece of
Alabama beef in the cities; though it is,
when properly fattend on the natural
pasturage of the country, Of fine flavor
and texture as any beef on earth.
'"rhe state fair is the only practical
agency by which the entire current of
these Industries can be set running in
normal and healthy way. In the states
where the best state and county fairs are
maintained the farmers and rural COM
munities are the most happy and pros
porous. and the entire people are well
supplied with what they need
mot long since Indiana celebrated the
f1ftieth anniversary of it's state fair The
event created a lively and profound inter-
est throughout the state. Statistics were
compiled to show the benefits which the
commonwealth has derived as a whole
| from the state fair. This institution has
been fostered and built up until 1t has
become an annual exposition at Indian
apolis, embracing a splendid representa-
ticn of all the resources and productions
of an erterprising and progressive peo-
pie. OF course the people of Indiana are
proud of that fair because it has done
much towards making them what they
are. l. has encouraged, helped and
amused them. 1t has given them ideas,
contrasted comparisons, and, incidentally,
1t has distributed each year a liberal
budget of premiums among such as had
the skill and industry to run them.
Result in Georgia.
ut Is the same with the fair in Atlanta,
which is a proof that a southern state
can. be benefited by state fair as well
as a northern state Georgia is advanc-
| Ing by leaps and bounds in all that con-
Germs her agricultural. horticultural and
live stock interests. The tide of new set
tiers who have brought fresh life and en-
trgy into these fields of endeavor, also
takes its rise from the reception of the
fair. Birmingham should and will do
| likewise for Alabama. and there is no
doubt that the Legislature will provide
material aid when the subject is proper
ly presented"
Everything possible is being done to
push the work for the fair In October.
Applications for space are coming in
rapidly, and all sorts of shows are seek
ing engagements. The appointment of
DR.. Fulton s. White as superintendent
of the agricultural department is a good
selection. as DIR. White has had much
practical experience in connection with
fairs and expositions, and is an expert
in everything relating to the farm and
garden. The names of superintendent
of other departments will soon be an
nounced.
improvements at the fair grounds are
| being pushed forward, as great deal
1 of work has been laid out to make the