Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1915-08-27
THE POLK COUNTY FAIR
PREPARATIONS FOR COMING
EVENT STILL INCOMPLETE.
Arnold's Attractions May Return to
Amuse Those Attending Annual
Exhibit This Fall

1t is regrettable that more interest
is not manifested in the Forthcoming
county fair, not only by the farmers
of the county but by the management
as well. The secretary of the board
and the collector of exhibits for the
state fair, which exhibits will be dis
played at the Polk county institution
prior to taking them to Salem, are
laboring diligently to make the un-
dertaking success, but aside from
this action comparatively little is be-
ing done from any source. The CO.
operation that is necessary between
all parties concerned to make the
fair the success that it should be,
and could be, appears to be lacking.
From present indications, however,
the agricultural and horticultural de-
partments will be fairly well filled,
but the stockmen are 10th to take suf-
ficient interest in the matter to give
this department the showing it should
have, considering the opportunities
here offered. They are inclined to
consider the expense too great for the
benefits derived. Several stOck-rais-
ers who exhibited last year have de-
clined to bring their animals for show
this fall, prefering to take them to
the state fair where the chances for
remuneration for the effort is greater
with practically the same outlay. The
industrial school exhibit will probably
be larger and better than on any pre-.
vious occasion, the pupils of the coun-
fy, as well as parents and teachers,
showing marked interest in that de-
partment.
While the fair is less than month
distant no positive arrangements have
been made for attractions to enter
tain visitors, although correspondence
to that end is now being carried on.
The Arnold Carnival company, well
known in Dallas, it having been here
on sundry and divers occasions, may
come to the fair again this year. If
a contract is executed with the man
agement for this attraction Arnold
will come with some new features.
Outside of this, a number of other
entertainments are under considera-
tion, but nothing definite has been
done up to this time to close with
them. While such should not be the
case, these attractions are necessary
for the entertainment of those at
tending, and the board will probably
see to it that the best obtainable with
the means at hand will be secured for
the week.
Comparatively little publicity has
been given the fair up to this time,
and as the date is drawing near the
management will be obliged to get
active if good results from the stand
point of attendance is expected. The
premium lists have been placed in the
hands of farmers and stockraisers,
but aside from this promotion work
has been decidedly meagre. The fl
nancial condition of the association
does not warrant heavy expenditures
in this direction, but it must not hide
its light under a bushel and expect
good results. Lack of funds has been
caused to considerable extent by
the erection of The large pavilion on
the grounds, and other necessary i'm
provements, the board having no
source of revenue except an appro-
priation from the county court,
amounting to something like $500.
and an amount sufficient to pay prem
iums from the state. The expenses
have necessarily been large, the start
being from practically nothing.
Every farmer and every resident of
the cities and towns should lend their
support to this enterprise, not only
giving it encouragement by making
exhibits whee possible but by their
presence when the opening day ar
rives. The event will not be "the
biggest and best ever seen upon this
globular wad," and such can not be
expected it will be what the
community makes it. The people must
make the fair.
In a letter to Mrs. Winnie Braden
yesterday afternoon, John Nj. Scott,
general passenger agent of the South
ern Pacific, announced the reduction
of railroad rates from all Willamette
valley points and on all Southern Pa
cifc lines to the Polk county fair.
One and one-third fare will be charg
ed adults for round trip tickets, and
one half the adult rate for children.
Sales dates are September 21 to "a
inclusive and the return limit is. Sep
tember &c.