The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-10
Muddy Track Prevents Races But It Was a Great Day at
 FairvieW
NOISES ON THE CURVE
 HAVE SOUND OF THEIR OWN
Balloon Ascension Is Thriller and Other Free Attractions Before Grand Stand Come In For
 Big Share of Applause.

necessarily annulled yesterday. Oh ac- count of the heavy atmosphere, Baldwin announced the, impossibility of sailing his airshp. Other than these two fea- lures, however, the fair was at it's height yesterday.
 When the gates were swung open there was bright sun shining, and the begin ming was propitious enough. At noon, however. the clouds gathered, and for more than an hour in the afternoon rain threatened The afternoon became cool with a high wind.
 In spite of these circumstances, how ever. the day saw the celebration of the opening. Many hundred people surged through the gates, and many spent the entire day on the grounds. There was d splendid offering in spite of necessary annulments, and so propitious was the outlook that there was serious discuss sion as to continuing the exposition one day in extent of the original programme. At noon, however, this idea was aban- doned.
 Plenty of Noise.
 Yesterday the noise was there. that noise which is essential to successful af- fairs, proving that the people were light of heart with a happy abandon. The shouting of the spoilers and the fakirs, the drum-drum of the tom-tom, and the believing of the megaphone, the calls and cries and confusion. The neighing of the horses, their footfall on the muddy track, the deep growl of King Lion, the music from strange instruments, the great crowds in festive dress, the sights of all descriptions that struck the air, testified in unmlstakable language that a fair was in progress.
 Rcmola Makes Ascent.
 In the morning, Romola made his sen- sational and spectacular balloon ascen- sion The daredevil began his ascent in front of the grand stand, and as spec tators thousands of people stood and sat about him. As the balloon ascended higher and higher, people held their breath, awaiting the leaping descent of the man who had promised much When the balloon had reached d height of about 1000 feet, the cannon attached was seen to descend faster, almost, than the eye could follow. Then from the can mons mouth shot the form of Romola, looking, from it's height above the earth, the size of spider. Like n yeritable cannon ball shot the figure, and it's real outline became discernable before his parachute was raised. The man came to earth near the agricultural building, and in descending, narrowly missed touching a wire which was heavily charged The act is a pleasing and spectacular one, and the sight of human nearing the earth with frightful velocity caused a deep hush to relgA. When the man was safe again, there was an applause which seemed to shake the very ground.
 Other Amusement Features.
 In addition to the balloon ascension of Romola there was abundance of amusement offered the patrons of the fair. In the afternoon the rvaudevillans appeared before the grand stand The five flying Dordens, trapeze experts, gave an excellent performance. Their clever ness and daring entertained a vast au- dience for half an hour Jean Weitzman on wire stretched 40 feet above the ground, impressed the spectators with his skill and daring. Sunlin and his fla nous bull King Bill, won a warm ap- plause, the heavy animals remarkable tricks doing just honor to the skill of his owner. Clayton and Jenkins and their wonderful mule. Jasper. received several encores. This clever trio did much to keep the crowd in good humor through out the day. "Rube" Shields, as a bi- eyclist, attracted deal of attention. and his humorous monologue pleased.
 Had the weather and the track permit ted the racing programme, and had Bald win made his daring aerial ascension, the day would have been a banner one. On account of the imperfect track. 1t was also necessary to postpone the ostrich AlfnOnRh nf birds was placed before the grand stand. and attracted deal of attention.
 Today Promises Big Things.
 Today will probably be the first great day.
 IT the sun shines throughout the rae- Ing programme augmented by other races impossible to be pulled off yester- day and the day before will be present. cd. Captain Baldwin promises to sail his bird Of the air, which so many people Tn Birmingham are anxious to witness. This anxiety fig intensified on account If the failure of aerial navigation as demon- strated in Birmingham last season. Then there will be the ostrich race against horse in the 2:20 class These features. which the rain subtracted from the pre- yisus days entertainments. will make the day pleasant one.
 oHoW On tne curve.
 The shows on the Curve. which are numerous and better than any eVes pre- Yiously shown in Birmingham, were lib- erally patronized yesterday. The naked Igorrotes and their unique and uncleanly village were thoroughly inspected The animal show of Colonel Mundy, which has been seen before in Birmingham, and the worth of which fs generally ad- mitted, was one of the pleasing places of the day. The ostrich farm was an- other attractive spot. Here "all the dis tance from the egg to the big bird of plumage" was Illustrated. Eggs shown tipped the beam at four pounds Rid ing the birds bareback was interesting.
 In addition there are the freak shops, the fortune tellers, the oriental dancers on tine hot sands, the "old plantation, wild western shows and other establish ments, which were liberally patronized. There is A whole lot of fun to be found on the Curve. and this place is attract ing a great deal of attention.
 In the Exhibit Buildings
 Before the day was over hundreds of people went through the main exhibit buildings. As has been stated, the agri- cultural displays this year are superior in every way. The exhibit of Madison county is especially fine. The booths of the big industrial companies attracted great deal of attention. The poultry show '- fine, and here many
 hour very pleasantly.