The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-03
M EN, W o M E N
 AND T H IN G s

I went down to the fair grounds on Friday afternoon and carpenters were busy putting up sheds, parti- tions, even small houses. There was the sound of the hammer everywhere. It Is always a mystery to me how they ever get things ready for the opening, and as everyone waits until the last minute before making start of any kind, and then Jim Dent is kept as busy as two switch engines, but he is used to 1t and goes on in his serene way.
 A fair Is like a circus. It Is gotten in shape as if by magic. What can be more forlorn than the usual show grounds before the tent men arrive to set It. up. The whole scene is changed in the twinkling of an eye as the wagons roll up and unburden the canvas and the poles. Everything becomes active. can recall with what wide-eyed interest l used to when a boy watch the men drive the stake, then rear the side poles and when the great center pole went up my cup was full to over flowing as the great white canvas swayed in the breeze like thing alive. No palace has ever since those blissful days given me such thrill as when I gazed on them.
 A fair can also be likened unto a theatrical performance. The stage is empty and dark as one gropes around It. Then the door swings open and the scenery and baggage arrives, and all at once the stage men get busy to set up the show. or rather arrange the scenes to be used at the proper time. Back stage has always had a fascination for me from boyhood up, for in the old days I used to spend much time behind the curtain in my home town. which was then on the circuit.
 Det u tahSo iiiOAC bAidh SNOiOiJ otAN scene shifters to produce the fascina- tion which Is so gripping to all who have ever come under the glamor of the theatrical world. The time for the play to open arrives. In front the crowd has been chatting or look ing around, while behind the scenes men and women have been rushing to get ready for the curtain to go up, which is always tense moment for actors and audience. Then the play is on and for the time being players and lockers on are lost in the drama or comedy.
 Friday afternoon the fair grounds were just beginning to come to life. Horses were being stabbed cattle were being fed, poultry was being housed, and the animal part of it was a scene of busy activity. Ma chinery hall was being gotten in shape for the various mechanical ex- hibits. The agricultural displays were being licked into shape, and the womans department under the grand stand was assuming it's show appear ance.
 Automobiles and trucks were crowding the driveways. The booths on the midway were being set up and the advance guard of the peripatetic xst- L. Ac I looked down the line 1t was hard to think that in few days every thing would be transformed into a busy, happy throng of men, women and children out for a days fun. while the professionals in the various stalls were shouting and sweating as they served the crowd.
 The Alabama State Fair associa- tion is putting on good show under terrific handicaps on account of the lack of proper buildings to house the various exhibits. It was not organ ized to make money, but to cater to the needs of the people in the way of entertainment and instruction. Jim Dent is wonder as 8 secretary, and President R. A. C'Buster'D Brown is the right man to head the fair. hope this seasons show will make enough to leave a sum in the treas ury which will warrant the public spirited directors in erecting some permanent huildings for next vaar P. S. You need have no fear that the fair will be ready for you when you go out this morning in spite of what I have said about exhibitors waiting until the last minute to get ready.