The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1919-11-01

visit this church at least twice
month and possibly three times, after
he gets his work well arranged.
Prof. and Mrs. Thos. K. Mcknight.
returned to their home Friday OF last
week. Prof. Meningitis stay here
was curtailed through the interven-
ton of unavoidable circumstances.
Miss Louise Van Sickle, now at
tending S. L. l. l. at Lafayette, was
visiting her parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
George Van Sickle, for the day last
Sunday.
Mr.. C. P. Helluin and Miss Make
Ewell attended the K. of c. dance in
Opelousas Monday night.
The following essay, entitled "The
Value of Parish and State Fairs"
was written by Miss Lie Henry for
the contest in composition at the re-
cent Southwestern district fair at
Lafayette. This composition was adj
judged one hundred per cent perfect
and took the first prize:
"The early Greeks, as far back as
the time B. C. recognized the value
of fairs. Their festivities were at
tended by the majority of the peo-
pie, and the time was regarded as
well spent, for it fostered peace, COM
merce and unity.
In this country, however, the peo-
pie were more slow to understand and
appreciate the value of fairs. The
first of this kind, which was a cattle
show, was held in New York in 1910.
1t was backed by one untiring indi-
vidual, Elkanah Watson, who spent
both time and money in convincing
the people of the value of these ex-
hibits. He secured permission to
hold annual stock fairs, and it is to
/ him that we owe our present custom
of fairs.
! "a parish fair will arouse interest
among competitors of that region. It
will penetrate into the closest circles
of the industries involved. The out
of-the-way contestant will profit most
by this exhibit. He will learn to keep
up with his more progressive broth
ers.
Estate fairs usually offer more
choice produce, as the best from
each parish fair is generally display
ed here. Therefore, the enterprising
Individual who would learn the ideas
of his fellow workers in any industry
of the state should attend this fair.
Parrish and state fairs should not
be overlooked as advertising agents
The individual whose exhibit gains a
prize earns reputation for his kind
of work. The papers will speak of
his gains, the schools will also, and
so will the various clubs.
IF the produce pertains to agricul-
ture, the department of agriculture
will help in advertising it more gen.
orally. The producer will find out
stretched arms eager to offer him in
creased rates and there will be lar
ger demand to satisfy.
"These fairs tend to bring the peo-
pie together in mutual understanding
and appreciation. They meet with
common interests, to see exhibition
offered, to compare the produce and
to learn the more modern and the
more easily utilized ideas. They learn
to appreciate their fellows-in-indus.
try as factors of success in the same
line of work. They are taught co.
operation in their work, for all are
striving for a common cause, and
each works to the utmost in produc.
ing the best that his means and en-.
ergies permit.
AT the same time, the people be.
come more progressive. Profitine
by the experiences of their fellow.
workmen, they are enabled to ad.
vance more rapidly in their chosen
. work, and to offer better results. Ar
eager market accepts these and is
glad to pay higher prices, the attain.
ment Of the latter being the funda-
mental object of every industrious
citizen.
"A fair is looked forward to as 3
pleasant diversion, for it is, ina way
social gathering. Many amusements
are offered which make the time
more agreeable and enjoyable to all
"The competition for prizes causes
: better work along the lines offered
School children will study the hard.
er and will be more careful with then
. written work, in order that theirs may
be sent in. The farmer win strive tt
produce better crops and livestock
! his wife or daughter will look to hel
culinary achievements and fancy
I work. The athletic contests offered
win cause the competitors to make
themselves more fit to enter.
"The true significance of fairs il
shown by their frequency of occur
renee and their existence in mos
countries. They are encouraged b!
the federal government, The agri
cultural department approves of then
and also the educational system. AL
the states in the Union endorse fairs
! The public in general commend thes,