The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1919-11-15


evening.
Mrs. Semineaux of Lafayette spent
the day at the home of Mrs. J. M.
Lalanne on Sunday last.
Mr.. G. R. Baltic was in Basile last
Monday on business.
Mrs. l. L. Holland and daughter,
Miss Edith, were visitors to Opelou-
sas on Tuesday last.
Mr.. w. S. Dunbar of Waxia attend
ed the basket ball game here Tues
day evening.
Mr.. L. B. Joyner is here on business
this week.
In compliance with the request of
several of our readers here, we are
printing the second essay written by
Miss LIZZIE Henry, on "The Val
ue of State and Parish Fairs"
This essay was given second place at
the state fair at Shreveport some few
days ago and while of the same sub
ject as that printed last week, it is
limited to five hundred words:
Fairs date back to the time of an
cient Egypt and Babylonia. The
Greek games, fairs as we'll as contests,
fostered peace, commerce and unity.
Throughout the days of barte, well on
into medieval times, fairs were
prominent institutions.
SIN America their Importance was
not appreciated until Elkanah Wat
son spent time and money in convinc-
ing men of their value. A cattle
show in New York, 1910, was the re-
suit of Watson's labors. To him we
owe our present system of parish and
state fairs.
Parrish fairs arouse interest among
competitors of that region, penetrat.
ing into the closest circles of the in
dustries involved Country contest
ants profit most from such exhibits,
learning to keep pace with more pro-
gressive communities.
estate fairs offer more attractions,
the best entries from each parish fair
being displayed. The enterprising
man who would gain advanced ideas
from his fellow-workers should see
and study these exhibits.
Fairs are important advertising
agencies. The man who gains price
earns reputation and finds sale for
his produce. Newspapers, schools, va
rious clubs will spread his fame. The
department of agriculture advertises
the success of a farmers methods.
Outstretched arms eagerly offer him
increased demand and higher rates
for his produce.
"These fairs tend to bring the peo-
pie together in mutual understanding
and appreciation. They meet with
common interests, to see the exhibit
tion offered, to compare the products,
and to learn the more modern and
easily utilized ideas. They learn to
appreciate their fellows-in-industry
as factors in the success of the same
line of work. They are taught eo-ope-
ration, for all are striving for COM
mon cause, and each works to the ut
most to produce the best that his
means and energies permit.
"The people also become more pro-
gressive. Profiting by the exper-
ence of their fellow workmen, they
are enabled to advance more rapidly
in their work, and to offer better re-
suits. An eager market accepts these
and is glad to pay higher prices, the
of the latter being the
fundamental object of every indus
trious citizen.
"a fair is looked forward to as a
pleasant diversion, for it is a social
Many amusements are of
fered which make the time more
agreeable to all.
"The competition for prizes causes
better work along the line offered. |
School children will study harder
and be more careful with their writ
ten work that theirs may be sent. |
The farmer will strive to produce bet |
ter crops and livestock; his wife or
daughter will look to their culinary
achievements and fancy work; the
athletic contests cause the competi-
tors to make themselves physically
more fit to enter.
"The true significance of fairs is
shown by their frequent occurrence
and their existence in most countries.
They are encouraged by the federal
government. The agricultural depart
nent and educational system approve
Of them. Every state in the union
ndOrses fairs. The public commend
hese exhibits, knowing the benefit
% be derived from them.
Fairs in general tend to produce
| more enlightened, ambitious and
world"
Mr.. Sol B. Klaus left Wednesday
hight for New Orleans and sailed