Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-26
PLANS NEARING
MPLETION FOR
BIC CELEBRATION

This, the last week Of arrangements
for the big Preparedness Celebration at
Gardiner. July 4th, shows the multitude
of threads of entertainment being
drawn together toward completion, so
that nothing will remain to be desired
that day, but perfect weather.
The Governor of the State, the Gov
ernor of the National Home. the Mayor
of Augusta and other men of distin-
guished name will be present.
Cannon will open up with the rising
of the sun and brilliantly colored
sparkling fireworks, eclipsing for a time
the twinkling of the stars, will fill the
canopy Of the sky. from early eve until
the hour of Good Night.
All through the day there will be mar
tial music wherever one goes. with
sports and contests decided BY the win
| ners, in so many localities that no one
will attempt TO witness all. Baseball
running races, sports with the pig, the
bag, the three legs, flights of scores of
small balloons from various parts of
the city, ascension of the great balloon
,, America" with performer and double
parachute act, occupy the early fore
noon.
Then a grand parade Of three thou
sand patriots and a mile. Battalion of
800 National Guardsmen, hundreds of
working men and women with American
flags. hundreds of fremen with appara-
tus, hundreds of school children in
white knights Of Columbus (400
strongl. representatives of Odd Fellows,
Elks Woodmen. Moose, marching or in
floats. bands and drum corps. many
spectacular and illustrative floats. two
companies of mounted men division
Of the Antiques and Horribles, and two
thousand American flags alive in the
hands Of the paraders, dancing in the
sunlight. Afternoon, a contest of the
Giants in the old time Fireman's Mus
/ Ter two classes of hand tubs and a
contest Of steamers. At the same time
the river sports will be working out
races in motor boats. skiffs and canoes.
Rive" drivers contests in their wonder
full sports on freaky logs. swimming
races and exhibitions Of natatorial skill.
And then the night with its fireworks.
The following are the chairmen of
the various committees: General COM
mittee John w Berry; finance, L c.
/ Ballard: reception, Weston Lewis; dec
! orations, Charles a. Drawn; baseball,
| Henry Merrill college sports. DR.. W. B.
| Pierce; parade. A. J. Burns: automo-
! biles, Everett H. Maxcy; schools. Mrs,
c. H. Gray; secret orders. William E.
rown: firemen. Charles G. Neal; an
tiques, NJ J. Burns; water sports, Frank
Harrington; log races, F. W. Wiley:
music, H. Gordon Mann; publicity. E. C.
Bowler; lunch. n " Cronk: reduced
fares. F. l. Russell; fancy horses and
teams, Frank Harrington fireworks.
George s. Williams; gun salute, j. ". P
Johnson; balloon ascension, L. c. Bal
! lard.
Flashes from the Fourth Of July Wire
The Fourth of July celebration idea
originated with Major John ". Berry,
who in his quiet, persuasive manner
has interested many good workers who
at first warmed up slowly, but have
since cemented themselves into con
crete body of enthusiasts. Never be-
fore in the history 1T the city have so
many people responded in SO generous
a. manner and never before has the
outlook for big thing been so bright.
The finance committee was one Of
the first to show signs of life ami
should any person doubt the punch
of this committee, look up the sub
scription list for a city Of 5000 peo
pie More than $4,000 will soon be in
the hands Of L. c. Ballard, the treas
urer. and no bills will be left unpaid
Since he was A Young man of Is
the major has promoted many daring
! ventures along these lines and while
all have been successful, this one
promises to eclipse everything to date.
The Fourth of July will, if pleasant.
bring out chalet Of wonders never
before seen in a small city and the
keenest rivalry of substantial business
men will make this day and date one
not to be forgotten. All up for the
Fourth.