Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-01
What Is the Future Of Our
Maine State Fairs?
Commissioner Roberts in Favor
OF One Big Exposition,
With General improvement In the
Various Line of Entertainment.

1t is considered probable that the
first annual report of Commissioner
John a. Roberts of the agricultural de-
partment which will soon be forthcom-
ing, may contain a suggestion favor
ing change in regard to the State
fairs whereby instead of having three
as at present, they should be merged
INTO one big one that would be an
ideal attraction in its line Commits
sloneN Roberts has been investigating
the different fairs of the State during
the past fall, and will devote some
space to them in his report, but just
what he will say along that line has
not yet been learned. A Lewiston pa
per SAYS.
That he is strongly impressed with
the idea that the farming interest of
Maine would be most benefited by
single State fair, which would be all
that the word implies. instead of
three, as at present, is we'll known.
The commissioner has found that the
three fairs divide UP the interest and
while each does all il can, the results
are not what are most to be desired.
a big State fair which would come
very nearly under the heading OF an
exposition is what Commissioner
Roberts would like to see Such fair.
backed in substatial manner by the
State, would, he feels sure. be of much
more value to the agricultural interests
than are the three fairs of today He
recognizes that the fair situation in the
State, today. is critical, and that a
change must come soon. The State
now gives. in stipends. to the three
State fairs. approximately S60oo II this
could all be given To one big show, il
would be a financial aid which would
mean much. The results would be far
more beneficial than they can divided
up as at present.
Such an exposition, lasting two
weeks, as the commissioner thinks
would be possible, would give wider
attraction for farmers to exhibit, both
dairy and farm products. It would also
attract Il greater representation of
cattle and horses, while it would be
possible to draw together exhibits Of
the manufacturing products of the
State in size to make it of interest to
those who attended.
The commissioner feels that il there
etIt u Dt A1.ohdNS ct ll4O LeAA NANtA
character should be improved. Instead
of being of the cheaper and tawdry
sort. as have characterized the Mid
ways Of most fairs in recent years
they should be first-ciass. In order
that they should come up to this, ne
thinks theGfair management should
take a keener interest in them and en-
gage them ubeeause of merit, rather
than because the owners are able 10
pay the grsI ind rent demanded.
That, allbfairs should make feat
ure of gaad. clean athletic sports is
another belief of Commissioner Rob-
erts.s.IIe thinks that il they would do
this. it would add greatly to the at
Effectiveness. of their shows. In that he
should not DE misunderstood 1t is his
idea that frst-class athletics and
games should be presentede and that
the cheaper class of exhibitions should
not be tolerated.
In the matter of the horse racing
the commissioner is of the opinion
that. possibly, a fewer number OF
races on the card each day but larger
purses would attract better animals,
resulting in better sport ana ADDED sat
isfaction 10 the people. Should this be
tried and prove a success it would be
of great benefit to the fair