The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1915-08-13
County Fairs In Maryland.

1 been very enectlYe as educaClOnal IN
situations, but their most loyal sup
porters must admit that a. whole,
\ they are not making the most of their
great opportunities. We all realize
\ the fact that there should be larger
and more definite returns to the agri-
cultural public. There has been no
serious systematic attempt, except in
\ a few cases, to improve our County
Fairs along those lines which com
prehend the art and science Of agri-
culture. Science and practice are
seldom hitched up at our fairs for the
most effective pull in the right direc-
ton.
Steps should be taken towards a
\ broadened educational service. There
must be a liyelier sense of our great
responsibility, a keener perception of
our opportunity, and a steady trend
| toward the educational ideal. Our
fairs must materially increase their
fundamental usefulness to thu prac-
tical farmers. Many Of them must be
reconstructed to fit the demands Of
an intelligent, science-minded country
people.
III the authorities of the fair are
desIrous of having simply amusement
for that class or people who enjoy
racing and betting on same, together
with other gambling devices, then
they should not call it, or in any way
advertise such an exhibition, as an
| Agricultural Fair. On the other hand,
A believe the authorities or most of
our County Fairs are willing to fore
60 the objectional features Of racing;
viz. betting, eliminate gambling in
any form, If sufficient attractions of
a proper character can be suggested
and offered in their stead.
a sudden and radical improvement
in many OF our fairs in rigid har-
mony with the educational spirit
would probably bankrupt them. The
most needed changes should be grad
ual, but they ought to be constant
and vigorous, until the ideal fair il
reached
Criticism is far more acceptable
when accompanied by a constructive
program containing practical ideas
and workable suggestions. Granting
that our fairs are not what thought
full men would have them to b., how
may their scope be enlarged, and their
influence vitalized? How may we
make our fair dignified in its conduct,
devoid OF spectacular honeycomD, and
the rubbish Of communicating conces-
sionaries, and stand solid upon the
rock Of our basal industry, it, ham
mers striking the one red-hot iron for
educational purpose?
1. Exclude all morally objection
al side shows, all gambling devices,
All catch-penny swindlers, and all
vendors of worse than useless trash.
p Provide a special department
for the use Of the County Agent, the
Agricultural College, and the Expert
ment Stations.
3. Induce the County Superintend-
tent to make an exhibit Of drawings OF
model school houses and grounds,
and displays OF handwork done by
pupils in the public schools of the
county He can well afford to take
one day and call it school day. He
can put on an oratorical contest and
an essay contest, subjects to be farm
and farm life topics, also holding
Athletic Contests during the fair, or
on school day
4. Provide daily lectures and dem
constructions on farm and home life,
eliminating in general discussions
and asking and answering Of ques-
'tions.
). Have numerous drawings Of
model farm equipments, showing the
type and cost of construction of all
buildings and improvements.
q. Have special department of
health and exhibits of sanitary A.
rangements and appliances and daily
lectures on the principles Of santa
ton. The Government, the State, and
the County Boards of Health, will
gladly take charge of this depart
ment.
T- Show in some graphic way the
different soil types OF the county, with
suggested fertilizers, crop rotations,
pasture grasses, hay crops, and so on.
5. Induce the manufacturers of
cement to make an exhibit of all the
principal uses to which cement can
be put On the farm; the manufactur-
er of dynamite to show the uses OF
dynamite; the manufacturer Of farm
machinery to exhibit their many pro-
ducts, and so on and on.
~ Offer substantial prizes for the
best farm exhibit in each of three Oh
four divisions in the county.
10. Offer liberal prizes for the best
exhibit in live stock and farm pro-
ducts
IT, Conduct blowing contests, and
other farm contests, on The fair
grounds.
~. Have parade Of prize stock At
stated times.
Is. Offer liberal prizes for exhibits
by the ladies.
14. Offer prizes for the largest
delegations Of visitors sent by thu
grange, farmers clubs and other ~
CARNATIONS OF farmers.
Is. Let there be racing, but no
betting. The horses should be local
favorites, and race to show who has
the fastest saddle horse, or driver, in
The county
16- Have plenty of good music,
such as bands, singing chorus, ETC.,
dancing, and development of com
munity spirit.
! have simply offered a few sug-
gestions with the object in view OF
making fair in your county that
viii have an educational value Sec
ond only to the work OF the public
schools, and have a more direct in
fuence in adding to the wealth of
your county through the increase of
llye stock and crops and their greater
value because of improved quality
and productivenesB.
A 4