Evening star., 1915-09-13
Entertainment by Citizens in
Appreciation of Concerts
Given Is Proposed.
RACING AND ATHLETIC
EVENTS FOR PROGRAM
District Surveyor Hazen Suggests
Potomac Park as Site-Loving
Cups for Musicians.

washingtonians may be hosts at a
big picnic party for the members Of
the government bands that have played
in the public parks this summer.
The Stars suggestion that the city
duplicate on a large scale the enter
tainment given Friday evening by citi-
zens of Anacostia, in appreciation OF
the concerts given in that section by
the Engineer Band, has been received
with enthusiasm by many citizens and
representatives of the District govern
ment.
Melvin C. Hazen, District surveyor,
who directed the city's Independence
day celebration at Brightwood reser-
voir. came out today with a big boost
for the plan, and suggests that COM
mittee be appointed by the Commission
ers to make the necessary arrange
ments.
Potomac Park as Site.
He proposes that the event be staged
in Potomac Park on a Saturday after
noon in October, and that racing, feats
in horsemanship and athletic contests
be made part of the program. Also
he suggests that loving cup, or some
other permanent memorial. be present
ed to each band by the citizens of
Washington.
The government bands have been
providing splendid entertainment for
the people of Washington a long time
and the suggestion that they be en-
tertained by the city impresses me as
today. "I believe the matter should
be initiated by the District Commits
sioners through the appointment of a
representative committee to take
charge of the arrangements and il
the plan is undertaken there is little
doubt but that it will be enthusiastic
cally supported by the citizens of the
capital
Potomac Park, in my opinion. should
be selected as the site for the enter
tainment. A varied and interesting pro-
gram could be arranged and the whole
affair made so enjoyable that it might
become sort of annual fall festival
FOR the capital. Field day events could
be worked up on an interesting SCALE
q short polo game might be added to
the program and horse and pe'o pony
races over a straightaway cour. could
terminate the fro1ic.
The affair should be managed in
such a way as to make the members of
the bands feel that they were the
guests of the city and it would be ap-
propriate if each band could be pre-
sented with loving cup containing an
inscription to this effect
Advocates Fall Festival.
Mr.. Hazen points out that few il any
municipal entertainments are ever held
in Washington during the fall. which
many claim to be the most beautiful
season of the year in the capital. He
is in favor of a fall festival for WASH
ington and believes that now would be
the proper time to inaugurate such a
custom.
1t is expected the District Commits
sioners will be asked to appoint COM
mittee to arrange for a reception to
the bands. The matter will not be
taken up until after the return Wednes-
day of Commissioner Newman, but
there is every probability that 1t will
be considered before the end of the
week. Members of the citizens associa-
tions have Endorsed the suggestion and
the civic bodies would be expected to
take a prominent part in making the
necessary arrangements.