The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1914-12-04

The Seventh Annual Marion-Sumter
Fair is over and is now but a men,
ory. II had its knockers and unfor-
iunately the year was the most de-
pressing one in two decades, so, under
these adverse conditions, it affords us
great pleasure to say that, after all,
IN spite of all drawbacks, the fair
vas a pronounced success.
Mr.. ID. II. Irvine of Orange Lake,
one OF our keenest observers, after
q very careful survey of the varied
exhibits. does not hesitate to say that
while not the largest it was the best
collection ever gotten together since
ne inauguration of our fairs. Mr.. IT.
vine has been farming in Marion
county for quite fifty years, and his
statement will be accepted as correct
By all who know him. We are will
ing TO bank on his judgment on al
most any proposition, and especially
on farm matters, as he has given the
dtAA0oN a SluuSs
Besides the exhibition of farm pro-
ducts and farm accessories, such as
fowls and stock and farm implements,
and everything entering into farming,
such as fertilizers, lime and phos-
plates. Mr.. Irvine says that the races,
the aeroplane flights and other attrac-
tons were by far the best ever before
seen on the grounds, and the program
was carried out on better time than
AZ any previous fair. This feature
gave great satisfaction to visitors.
While the weather was not entirely
IDEAL. 1t was very fine. and although
It was somewhat "blowy" the first day
the precautionary measure of oiling
the street leading TO the fair grounds
Kept down the dust, and those who
we're instrumental in this provision
were the recipients of many compli-
ments.
One Of the most noticeable and
pleasing features was the fact that
there was no friction among the man
agement. This feature was charm
ing. We heard a number say that
President Gist and Secretary Will
liams deserved to be decorated from
head to foot with blue ribbons-that
they have set a pace that is worthy
Of emulation and imitation
So far as we have heard, notwith-
standing the fact that the first prize
went TO a colored exhibitor, the distri-
button of prizes created no jealousies.
Ii was known that the judges were
experts, and, coming from a distance,
we're unacquainted with the exhibit
ors. and passed judgment solely upon
the merits of the articles on exhibit
ton.
Another pleasing and noticeable
feature was the good behavior of the
crowds. Not an intoxicated person
was seen, not a profane word was
heard. Not an observation was made
that would mantle the cheek of the
most prudish or fastidious.
The fair was so excellent in all re.
spects that one of our newspaper
friends said to us:
Il expected such an achievement
from the twin-county fair. Knowing
the reputation of the two counties, I
was prepared for it to surpass any.
thing heretofore offered by the va
rious county fairs recently held in
Florida, or in any other state, for thar
matter, and l have not been disap
pointed by the fair now on in your
city. Those who have had the pleas
ure OF witnessing it can but say tina;
It is the ne plus ultra of agricultural
excellence"
Mr.. Flynn Elliott of Charlotte, N. C.
VINO has such beautiful display O!
fowls at our fair, and who started or
MS career as poultry fancier on a
pair of chickens given to him by a.
lady friend, says that the poultry in.