The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-13
Weather and Attractions Com
bine as Real Winner.
EXHIBITORS GREATLY PLEASED
All Declare Crowds Exceeded
All Other Cities.
Association Will Have Money
for Improvements.
Gain in one year. r....... $4,000

Gain in one year. ....... 5000
The above figures show what a
wonderful growth the Kansas Free
Fair has enjoyed in a year and what
a wide appeal it is making to the peo-
pie of the whole state Also, they
show what can be done under ideal
weather conditions with efficient man
agement and up-to-the minute attrac-
tions
Never has there been a fair success
like 1t in Kansas. From the opening
day until today the crowds have been
pouring into the grounds in a steady
stream. The street car company has
broken all previous records and II is
estimated that twice as many automo-
biles have been on the grounds as
there were last year.
The high class attractions the Kan
sas Free Fair association offers and
the care that is taken to please Wis
itors and exhibitors is mostly respon-
sible for this years mammoth success.
But even the fair officials admit the
weather man has been a potent factor
thruout the week. More idea condi-
tions could not have been made to or
der and as a result of this, and the
good condition of the roads. automo-
bile parties have been able to drive
here from other states. including cars
from New York. Texas and Oregon.
Relaxation After War.
Also, the after-the-war conditions
are given credit for a part of the sue
cess. Farmers and their families who
remained closely at home last season
were anxious for an outing this year
and made it a point to get away. Also
there were thousands of returned SOL
diers on the grounds thruout the week,
many of them coming for the divi-
sional and regimental reunions.
Starting off with an opening attend
n -
show that attendance records have
been broken every day up to today.
Thursday was the biggest day with a
total morning, afternoon and evening
attendance of $1,000. Friday was the
second best day when there were more
than 10000 persons on the grounds,
and Wednesday was the third best
day.
1t was thought by many that the
automobile racing crowds would not
be so large as the horse racing attend
ance, but Friday afternoon found the
grandstand and bleachers packed to
capacity with so many spectators in
| the centerfield that the Flying Ca
doras were unable to put on their act
The crowd literally covered the
ground over which the trapeze net was
stretched.
Exhibitors Are Enthused.
There were not So many automobile
parking space was filled early in the
afternoon and every street within half
a mile of the grounds was used for
parking cars. If there is any one who
has been to the fair and who has not
been satisfied he has been ashamed to
kick. Visitors, exhibit men and con-
cessionists alike are loud in their
praise of the fair show. and many
have already expressed a determina-
ton to return. Alfred Cadora, who
| has made most of the big state fairs
in the United States and nine fairs in
Canada this season. says he has seen
none that equalled Topeka's great out
1 door exposition.
The financial figures have not yet
been checked. but there is no doubt
more money has been made than at
any other showing since the original
association was formed. Fair officials
and directors alike are unanimous in
asserting that they are pleased and
| could not have hoped for a more sue
! cessful week.
All for Improvements.
Every cent that is made this year
will be put right back into the fair
| for next year to make the great an
nual exposition better and bigger. For
this reason those who have helped
make this years show a success can