The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-03
IMMENSE CROWDS ATTEND OPENING OF
 EAST LAKE PARK President Ward, on Behalf of City, Dedicates Park
 to Use of People
FIREMEN WINNERS OF TUG OF WAR CONTEST
Community Singing, Music by Bands, Dancing, Games and Contests Features of Occasion-Flag
 Presented by Women

East Lake and Tidewater cars were packed yesterday by the crowds that went out to East Lake to celebrate the formal opening of the park under the auspices of the city, and at the same time to commemorate the seventh anni- versary of the Anti-Tuberculosis asso- ciation
 As birthday present one-third of all receipts taken in yesterday was given to the Anti Tuberculosis association, and a neat sum was realized. The exact amount that was raised is not yet known, but however much it is, it will go to the laudabie purpose of assisting Dr. Eaves. Solon Jacobs and the others who are fighting the great white plague" in an effort to make Alabama free from the terrible scourge.
 FLAG RAISING
 The flag raising ceremony opened the proceedings and was followed by the dedication speech by George B. Ward, president of the city commission. Miss Lola Tartley led the exercises with a recitation on The Flag" Mrs. Matilda swope, on behalf of the women's Re lief corps. presented the flag, which was dccepleu OH DSHdlI uL tHo Clly Dy FIeSl- dent Ward.
 MT. Ward stated the park had been pur- chased for the pleasure of all the peo- pie of Birmingham, and that if they sup ported it, as indications seemed to show they would, the park would be sef-sup- porting and real asset to the city. As MT. Ward finished speaking the band struck up the Star-Spangled Banner ant a large flag swas raised while the entire crowd stood bareheaded
 MUSIC ENJOYABLE
 Music was furnished throughout the day by the Boys Industrial School band and by Davidson's orchestra. Two vocal solos were given by Miss Mary Cook and Miss Rebecca Basemore. The community sing ing, under the direction of Prof. Robert Lawrence. was one of the most enjoyable features of the day. The night concert was especially pleasing.
 One ofs the features of the programme was the ftug- -of-war contest between the policemen and firemen.
 The fremen got the jump" on their opponents, and pulled them way over on : their side in the first half minute. The policemen struggled gamely but were never able to overcome this advantage and when the allotted three minutes were up, the firemen were easy winners The police department was somewhat redeemed when Ed Burgin won the shoe race. with several firemen close on his heels The firemen claim that Eds shoes were so big that he had no trouble in finding them while their dainty boots were hard to distinguish and that this : advantage gave him the race.
 WATER SPORTS
 The water sports were enjoyed by all, especially when Jere Gwin challenged George Ward to slide down the giant dip. The fat mems race showed many sur pa.ses .h just how some of Birmingham S most prominent citizens look without all their accustomed habliments, and the efforts of some of them to make head way with all their burden of adipose tissue tchled the spectators immensely. The fancy dives and the real races were often thrilling, and received much ap- plause from the crowd
 The dancing pavilion came into it's own as darkness fell and the only trouble about it was that there was not enough space the flcor to accommodate all who wanted to try round. The fire works were as beautiful as ever and much appreciated.
 The only mishap during the day was when Sol Jacobs fell into the lake and was rescued by the life saver Sol was tune, anc to get even pushed Ed Spen- cer into the lake, claiming Ed laughed tco boisterously at his misfortune. II was great day. however, fer Brming- ham. and thoroughly enjoyed by every one.