The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1912-12-06

fair. There was storm the night be-
fore. and a decided change in the
weather followed in its wake, but it
did not prevent the progress OF the
fair, as the rain did on Wednesday
and the crowds were there in crafty
ing numbers, and the gate receipts
were most encouraging.
When the beautiful automobile pa
cade reached the grounds the grand
stand was full to completion, and
many We're congregated in the exposi-
ion buildings and on the grounds.
All the visitors were delighted with
he parade, the races, the side attrac-
lions and the exhibits. Not an un-
friendly criticism was heard, but on
The contrary. praise and words fltly-
spoken were on the lips OF all.
We are proud to be able to say thai
he fair IS a pronounced success, and
5 an enterprise that should be near
and dear TO the hearts of our people,
1ecause il tells in such a magnificent
way of our resources, opportunities
and possibilities.
1t was hospital day, and early there
were seen on our streets and in many
of the stores beautiful young women
arrayed in red cross costumes carry
ing contribution boxes and punches of
red ribbon, and nearly every man in
town, strangers and citizens alike,
having paid the price, were decorated
with red ribbons, the colors of this
noble army
Thanksgiving had really the appear
ance of fair. People elbowed one
another, the spielers were on hand,
here was a brass band free shoot
ing exhibition, and at several Of the
booths hot coffee and tea were served.
The Ocala Lumber and Supply Com
anys building, as usual, was crowd
ed, as everybody has a penchant for
money that is given away.
An individual exhibit that attracted
much attention yesterday was the
Mexican relics, of which Mr.. Wash
burn has charge. 1t contains many
curious and interesting articles. One
is wooden image of the crucifiXion
of Christ. which was exhumed some
years ago. and is supposed to have
been buried for more than three hun
dred years; others are a yoke OF tor
ture. made of stone and weighing al
most an hundred pounds; also bolts
with iron thorns, which criminals
were compelled to wear on the naked
skin as a mode of punishment fol
heresy. Bits, spurs, idols and numer
GUS other things are shown in tins
collection.
The woman's department wa
crowded all day yesterday, and visit
ors simply raved over the many beau
tiful things in the collection.
More farmers were present than or
any day of the fair, and the live stoc'
pens we're shown a great deal of al
tention
Today is children's day, and alsC
the last day of the fair AS it is TIL
only day that the railroads have
granted special trains, it is believed
that in point of numbers it will b,
the biggest day of the fair.
The Automobile Parade
The automobile parade in the after
noon at half past two o'clock was tbs
main attraction of Thanksgiving day
t was very pretty event, but it va.
o be regretted that it was not partici
ated in by nearly as many automo
lies as heretofore Only twelve ca.
we're decorated. but several Of then
we're the most artistic and uniqu.
nyer seen in the city, and the parad,
vas a most pleasing one, except 70,
IS being so syncopated.
The parade formed on the square
and after driving around the square
IN several streets, drove to the fail
grounds and several times around the
rack before the judges stand.
The parade was led by the fire com
Dany's auto chemical engine, followed
" Mr. ]. H. Spencer's car which wa
very prettily decorated in pink chrys
antkemumS, and was occupied by hi
wife and children, and Mrs Coin. The
other cars were as follows
Mrs. L. F. Blalock, driving her own
car. 1t was exquisitely pretty and ar
tistic-a big white basket, covered
and banked with white chrysanthe
NUNS. and the handle and body o.
the car twined with trailing aspara-
gus ferns. Mrs. Blalock was arrayel
in pure white, as was also Miss Lou
Use Nixon. who rode with her. This
car was awarded first prize
Mrs. H. NJ Hampton's car was on1
OF the cleverest ever seen here. The
body of the car raOreSented q motor