Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1915-12-17
FAIR APPROPRIATION.

rive lasting benefits from the county
fair. The Observer has persistently
ichampioned the local institution from
its very incipiency, and under normal
conditions shall continue to follow
this course, but nevertheless it cam
not believe that the county court is
acting in the interests of the tax
payers by incorporating so large a
sum in the 1916 budget for its main
tenance. And in this view it does not
stand alone. The county fair, be-
cause of its educational features, is
deserving of and entitled to liberal
recognition from the governing body
in order that it may continue the
promotion of its manifold helps to the
agriculturist, the horticulturist, the
stockman and the younger generation
of the rural realm, to say nothing OF
the advantage given Polk county from
a publicity standpoint, but the ap-
preparation awarded the institution
last year should satisfy for the com
ing event, even though the associa-
tion guarantees the financial expendi-
ture consequent to an exhibit at the
land show at the metropolis next
fall.
l- The taxpayers of Polk county, in
common with those throughout the
4 state, are already overburdened by
1 taxation, and curtailment wherever
possible should be the watchword, un-
til such time, at least, when the ef-
fects of the present financial depres-
sion shall be less keenly felt. Indi-
vidually the addition to the appropri-
alton of last year would be infnitesi-
NAL, and while there are those in all
sections of the county who would
gladly contribute the extra mite to-
ward the creation of the larger
amount sought, and who would loudly
applaud the county court for its gem
erosity, it should be remembered that
Z the enterprise is not financed from
the public fund with any degree of
uudLlIulJy, anu dlSO ludu iHe uHuel
dog should have due consideration ac-
corded it. 1t is well-known fact
that no inconsiderable opposition to
the proposed levy, as incorporated in
the annual budget, has developed
among townspeople as well as rural
ties, the opinion being freely express
ed that with the present rate of tax
alton, the stringent condition of mon
ey, and the multiplicity of needs for
which there is demand to provide
public comforts and conveniences to
the populace, the fair association
should be content with lesser
amount than $4,000.
And even so, Polk county, through
the exercise of spirit of communi-
ty and individual cooperation, and
with judicious management on the
part of the association s executive,
can hold most ereditable exhibit and
make the annual event a success and
a permanent institution. We contend
that the fair should be a community
enterprise, of the community and for
the community, and as such should re-
ceive the financial support of the
whole community, which end can be
6ustly and equitably satisfied only
through uniform assessments upon
the taxable property of the territory
which it is calculated to include in its
various ramifications, but business ac-
umen is equally necessary for its sue
cessful outcome and for its perman-
eney. There should be sources of
revenue other than that contributed
through the generosity of the govern
mental body of the county, and money
derived from these should aid mater
tally in the promotion and mainten-
ance of the fair from year to year
Yamhill county conducts an annual
fair without financial assistance from
the county; Benton, which admitted
ly has one of the most interesting ex-
hibits of any county in the state, re-
eeives an allowance of but $l,400.
while several Others holding fairs get !
only state aid, which goes to show
that gate receipts, revenue derived /
from concessions. etc.. meets their OBJ
legations. The Polk county fair might ,
be broadened along similar lines,
greatly to its benefit. and to the ben !
eft of the people. No person would {
I
if the fair continues TO show improve !
ment in the future as it has in the 9
past it will be well worth the money. !
Certainly some such provision must 4
be wrought. because with growth =
more financial sustenance must be q
forthcoming and the people. at best, i
viii eventually balk over the outlay !
The Observer heartily endorses an t
! sn,,ronri tion bv the county court for / a