Oxford Democrat., 1906-09-11
Loyal to the County Fair.

Decline in county fairs is noticeable.
And who is to blame? Some say the
officials, some say the exhibitors, but
whoever it is, it is not one single indi-
vidual. 1t lies with the exhibitors to
furnish the articles in whatever shape
or form the premium list calls for.
And if the list does not suit one he
should not stay away and keep his ex-
hibit away also; for q number Of such
selfish persons will soon give black eye
to the best managed fair. There is a
remedy for all this at headquarters, but
do not expect the department will DO
run to suit each mans way of thinking,
for it can be run only one way, and that
is, according to the wishes of the ma
jority.
The standing committee are usually
ready to make any change in any depart
ment that is for the betterment of the
fair. In most fairs, the entry is free in
most of the departments; if not, it is so
small one can exhibit something. Fairs
are intended for the advancement of all
the industries in county, no matter
how small or how large. Quality is the
object, not quantity, and the exhibit
will attract attention il it is good.
One other thing that Injuries our cOun-
ty fairs is jealousy after the Judging is
done and the colors are up. 1t is dis
grace to hear some fellow lose his tenn
per because his stock or produce did not
get the first prize. 1t not only Injuries
the exhibitor, but also keeps the other
fellow away. Some bystander, listening
to it all, sees the dissatisfaction and is
sick of such business, and who can blame
him?
FAIRS NOT A CHESTNUT.
You will hear great many people say
the fair is the same old thing every year.
suppose the same old cake, pies, fruit,
vegetables, cattle, poultry, and the air
they breathe is the same old stuff they
saw 80 years ago, for some cannot tell
the difference. But | do not know of
better educator than county fair. No
matter what your interest may be, you
can see, il you will, big improvement
in any department. Some things may
be lacking in quantity, but that does not
prove the quality is poor. A few years
back the seasons have been poor and
late and our fairs are earlier than usual
and fruit and vegetables are subjected to
insects, but for all that, everybody is
not handicapped, for we see good fruit
and vegetables just the same. With the
aid of experiment stations we are able to
overcome great many obstacles.
Now after we have seen to the exhibits
and have done our part as a supporter
to the fair, come the patrons. We must
have things in ship-shape and up-to-date,
for they have paid their price for ad-
mission and they want their moneys
worth. Some come to see friends and
relatives, as it is an annual meeting;
some come to purchase either an article
in the fancy department or stock ami
NAL or rooster. Many dollar changes
hands at fair, for one can see just what
he is buying and will pay little more
for something he can see. And if new
class is on exhibition one can see the ad-
vancement from year to year. So you
see everyone that goes has an object in
view and by looking after each and every
department and seeing that every class
is filed, you make good impression on
the public and they will come again and
tell others. The way to fill the classes
is to exhibit, even if you know your
neighbor has better; for the fair needs
your support, and the opinion of the
Judge does not always agree with yours
and you have a chance to find out why.
BE SURE TO EXHIBIT.