American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1911-06-29

Monday morning to open-air exercise On the
contrary there are thousands of Americans who
are so busy that 1t Is only on a full-fedged holi.
day when all business ceases absolutely that
they feel that they can take part in the Ioa6ng
OF the three summer holidays the Fourth of
July Is manifestly the ideal one for sporting
contests. Memorial Day is a little early in the
season In the face OF the climatic conditions that
prevail In some sections of the country. and
then. too. many patriotic organizations and prom.
inent citizens are opposed to making use of
Decoration Day as an occasion for sports, claim
Ing that 1t has a solemn. almost religious sig
nifcance that should be respected by all the peo-
pie Of the community. even though they have no
relatives among the soldier dead. Labor Day In
september shares with the Fourth to some ex-
tent the prestige of a day of sport, but it is far
overshadowed by the July festival in point OF
number of races. games and contests.
First and foremost among the manifestations
Of the American love of sport on the glorious
Fourth must be placed, Of course, the vast at
tendance at games of baseball. The games on
that e~ventful day range all the way from a "dou-
ble-header" by major league teams. which in
New York or Chicago or Boston may call out an
attendance of twenty thousand fans" to the
equally spirited contest on a vacant lot where a
number of youthful "rooters' watch a struggle
for supremacy between Red Finnegan's In
rincibles" and Scrub" Schmidts Red Sox Jun
fors." 1t is safe to say that the amount spent
on baseball on this one day, allowing for the
expenditure for peanuts and score cards and all
the other incidentals, would form a stack of sill
yer dollars mountain high.
As every person knows, the Fourth of July IS
a favorite occasion for picnics-particularly fam
lily picnics and neighborhood outings. and lodge
picnics. and like excursions. And usually as n
feature Of any such holiday frolic there is a ball
game. Perhaps the women and girls are pitted
against the men or we have such nerve-racking
battles OF the diamond as can be witnessed only
when the lawyers cross bats with the doctors.
or the married men play the single men. or the
oald-headed boys try conclusions with those that
wear boards. or the fat men essay a test OF skill
With the lean members of the community. x Is
IN such an environment. too. that he spirit or
sport on the Fourth provokes croquet games and
the pitching of quoits and target practice on the
part OF the picnickers who do not care for the
more strenuous exercise on a hot summer day.
Speaking of target practice with revolver and
rine). which has gained rapidly in favor OF recent
years. 1t may be we'll to mention that another
similar sport has come up markedly
and the Fourth Of July is a favorite occasion for
tournaments In communities where clubs exist
! mis- latter pastime is the old. yet new diversion
or archery. Just how much fun II is TO shoot
with bow and arrow-not the familiar childs toy
out the regulation Indian wsapoa-can only be
by those who have tried 1t and the
TACT that the sport can be eatcysS b. both men
ana women Of all ages is proving q big factor
IN winning converts for IT,
The Fourth Of July Is a great occasion for for
and informal golf tournaments. and some
INES these are arranged to extend over from
me Sd to the 9Th of July Il tho community Is a
one, or a rural one. or a summer resort
20 which there has been q sudden influx % .5s~
rom the city. And this very fact lets you into
ne secret .; why the Fourth is the climax OF
ne season In the matter Of sport at many q sum
ner resort. Under ordinary circumstances men
He q scarce commodity at these vacation re-
1sAu hut there II always q plentiful supply -