Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-07-05

Augusta naC no curtin VI July Soi-
ebration yesterday but she did have
a military carnival which was about
as big ar event OF the kind as has
ever been seen in Augusta, or in the
State of Maine. The carnival originated
with and was carried out by the mem
berS of the Maine troops now station
ed in the city, for the benefit of the I'd
Infantry and the Red Cross, and those
who had 20 do with it carried 1t
through to a most successful conclu-
sion. The carnival called together a
big crowd of people. all Of whom
found plenty to interest them and all
went home satisfied when the days
program was completed.
The carnival was favored in many
ways. To begin with the weather was
all that could be wished for. The sky
was clear and the sun shone bright
from the moment it appeared above
the eastern horizon, and while 1t
brought with it the heat of summer
a cool breeze from the west tempered
the air to that of June. No better
weather was ever had for the day. 1t
usually rains at some time during the
Fourth of July, either in the way of
shower or a continued storm, but yes
terday was the exception that proves
the rule and the day was from its be-
ginning to it's end unmarried.
Under such conditions the crowd
could not help getting out and coming
TO the Capital City, and it did come.
The first trains of the morning, also
the early trolley cars, were loaded with
pleasure seekers. and the automobiles
were not far behind, each adding its
quota Of those who coming for the one
purpose Of seeing what there was to
see and having a good time. AS the
program for the day began early the
people came early so as not to miss
anything that was going on. The last
big crowd came on the 9.3s train from
the east. Owing to the fact that the
chief attraction of the day was stag
ed at the Driving park the majority
Of the crowd at once sought that VI
cinity. but there were lots Of people
in other places-along State street
where many assembled to see the pa
rade. and along Water street. On the
latter street there was nothing IN par
ticular to attract people, except per
haps the displays in the various store
windows, but both sides of the street
we're filled throughout the morning
hours and we'll into the afternoon, and
a,.er If sumner time some of them were
still there.
The first feature of the day was the
narade. and this was viewed by thou
sands of home folks and visitors. Many
people did not see the parade, through
~, AIDE nv thlnklnE
that it would pass through Water
street when no such movement was
contemplated when the route of march
was laid out. The column for the par
ade was formed at Camp Reyes and at
about 9 o'clock the order. was given ana
the bows in olive drab under command
of Major w. F. Southland of the % bat
TALON and headed by the Second Regi-
uent band, swung down along the camp
ground roadway and out on to Western
avenue The number of men in line
was about 1000 and as they swung out
into the broad highway of western ave-
nue. they presented a fine appearance.
Down Western avenue they went until
they reached Sewall street when at the
order: Column left" they swung In on
that street, the long column of men
sewall and Winthrop streets, another
order was given, this time, column
right" and the parade changed direc-
ton, going down Winthrop street to
State street where again at the com
mand of Column right" the parade
moved away on the last lap of its
Journey. On reaching Union street, the
last turn was made. this time TO the
+tic short street the
parade entered he Driving park.
People had assembled all along the
streets covered by the route of parade
and followed the column as 1t moved
along. so that on the arrival of the sol
diers at the park they were followed by
hundreds of people. who helped TO swell
the ranks of those already there. 1t Is
estimated that the number of people as
sembled at the park during the morn
Ing hours was about 1000.
The Sports
The opening number of the program
al the park was a ball game between the
Machine Gun co. and Co. f, the former
winning by a score of to 5. The bat
terry for the winners was Shaw and
Mazerall and for Co. f, Morrow and
Lancte. George Talbot of the mounted
scouts oficiated umpire
The trial sport events took place
during the forenoon. The greatest in
terest on the part of the crowd center
ed in the tug-ofwar preliminaries'
which took place directly in front of the
grandstand. Throughout both forenoon
and afternoon the Second Regiment
Band. stationed on a platform adjoin-
ing the grandstard. rendered generous
program of excellent music.
From mid-forenoon the midway
booths did profitable business. and the
warmth especially favored the stands
where soft drinks were dispensed and
at these places till late in the after