Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-09-28
THE FAIR.

Inc lar uciu last Wcch was III
point of interest, the most successful
in the history of the association. The
weather, though threatening at times,
was good and the attendance large,
considering the population of the coun'
ty. In some respects the exhibits
we're not quite as good as on former
occasions, this being noticeable in the
ladies', agricultural and poultry de.
partments, not that the quality was
lacking but in the extent Of the ex.
hibits.
When il comes to the chief attrac.
tions Of the fair, the races, 1t can be
truly said that they surpassed all for
mer exhibitions. Fast time was made
in running, trotting and pacing and
the crowd seemed to greatly enjoy the
tests of speed. 1t is not often that
the pacing time of 2:l0 is witnessed
at a county fair.
While the fair as a whole was a
success from the point of interest. It
is doubtful whether the association
will make good when il comes to meet
ing the expenses incurred. Although
il is conceded that good aces draw
the crowds, in order to secure them
large purses must be hung up as an
inducement TO horsemen. This re-
quires no small amount of money and
to keep such an outlay within reach of
the total receipts of the fair is a
problem that has confronted many
associations in times gone by. 1t is
a question that has taxed promoters
In the older states of the union and
In some instances county fairs have
been abandoned altogether through a
lack of interest on the part of exhibit.
ors and sufficient revenue from the
receipts to maintain them.
Having passed through the most
difficult years of its existence 1t would
seem that the local association should
soon get on a good financial footing,
but as our population increases there
is a natural and commendable desire
to better the attractions, which meanS
more money.
In barring out Of the grounds con-
cessions of a gambling nature the as
ISOLATION pursued the right course
though il has temporarily curtailed its
receipts. The patrons of the fair will
not fail to show their appreciation OF
this stand for public decency. While
the concessions sold this year were
few they are likely to be much great,
er in the future.
Just how to secure larger receipts
from the fair so as to hang up fetch
ing racing purses and at the same
time induce exhibitors to bring In
their products is a matter that will
receive the attention of the associa.
ton.
AS regards exhibits those who have
something worth Offering must not
expect too much OF the association. In
a measure they must be governed by
public spirit and pride in their own
achievements. Such exhibits often
prove a valuable advertisement for
the owners Admitting that the agri'
cultural display was wonderful, what
there was of IL. it could have been
made three times as large with a lit
tie effort.
While there appears TO be a growing
interest in the exhibition of stocks. a
gratifying feature of the fair, there
was a falling of in the poultry de-
partment due, as one poultry fancier
claimed. to lack of inducement.
We believe the association has done
fairly well in the matter of premiums
and we are sure it would gladly do
better II the receipts Of the fair would
warrant a scaling upward. II com
plant is made that too much money
is spent on the races 1t must always
be remembered that 1t is the races
that bring the people to the fair.
To put the association on a strong
err financial foundation why not offer
more Of its stock for sale. Organiza-
ton was effected when the county was