Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-08-07
SMALL ATTENDA
Local Woodmen's Expectations Not
Realized.


The annual picnic of the Woodmen
societies of this northern district was
held in Wausau Wednesday and Thurs
day of last week Local Woodmen who
had spent months in preparation for
the event are somewhat displeased at
the attendance. The nearby towns
which had given assurance of sending
large delegations, failed to carry their
assurance into effect Merrill done
very well. Over 800 tickets were sold
by the ST. Paul road at the above town,
and quite number drove down. The
Merrill Woodmen brought two drill
teams and band. The latter is known
as the Woodmen band and presented a
neat appearance dressed in their khaki
uniforms. TIE two drill teams were
dressed likewise ard on first impression
one would think company of soldiers
was in town. Rhinelander also sent a
band and small contingent of Wood
men. Schofield done very well, but
Stevens Point and other near by
towns. Well, we want say what they
done. In all there was perhaps less
than 500 visitors in the city.
The first days program was carried
out in detail and the band contest on
the court house square attracted large
crowds of people. There was music all
afternoon by three bands, the one from
Merrill being awarded the prize.
Thursday morning the delegates met
at Woodman hall for the transaction of
business, the principle part of which
was the selection of the city where the
picnic 1907 will be held There were
three candidates, Eau Claire, Rhine
lander and Medford. On the second
ballot the former city won out. There
was some feeling manifested over the
selection. 1t was finally agreed to
appoint committee to cut the district
up into two parts after next year and
as such committee G.. Ellingson, of
Hawkins, VIM. Warehouse, of Wausau
and E. c. White, of Eau Claire, were
selected They will determine the
dividing line.
The parade from the market square
through the town and to the fair
grounds was quite an impressive affair
and was ably handled. 1t consisted of
a flower carriage, the mayor, city
officials, council men, Co. G, various
bands, marching bodies including drill
teams, floats by M. w. A. lodges, l.. o.
t. NJ, Royal Neighbors, E. F. U. and
Eagles. All of the floats were very
handsome affairs.
At the grounds the Woodmen were
addressed by G. E. Whelan of Madison,
and the dinner hour being at hand the
balance of the program was dispensed
with until the inner man had been
satisfied. The afternoons program
consisted of horse and foot races,
maneuvers by drill teams, etc., and
was very interesting. The band stand
was crowded to its capacity and the
track on both sides was lined with peo-
pie In the drill contest the Merrill
west side team was awarded first prize,
Merrill east side team second and the
Schofield team third. The Merrill
team which got second prize registered
a strong protest because the first prize
had not been given it.
In the evening There were two fire
runs, one shortly after seven O'Clock
the other at eight. A concert was also
given by the Columbia band on the
court house square. Four dances and
a show in the opera house also attracted
a great number of people. The main
streets, business places and court house
were very nicely decorated and the best
of order prevailed.
Ali of those who visited Wausau went
home well pleased with their entertain
ment while here and will come again.
The expense of the picnic has not
been figured up, but it is thought there
will be quite deficit in receipts over
disbursements.