Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-08-03
SPECTACULAR RECREATION

Most of the monarchs and emperors of ancient days were
pretty wise in their generation and some of their methods OF IN
sducing contentment of their subjects were effective at least. Inc
value of the pageant or spectacle was well recognized as a popular
form of amusement and they gave their subjects plenty, II his
changed to any great extent, and the modern promoter who can
stage anything in the nature of a spectacle big enough and daz-
cling enough to hit the popular fancy, is pretty sure to find it a
profitable venture. Advertising is a big help to modern spectaces
and promotions and is within the reach of the modern hacker Of
big events, providing he has capital enough, but no doubt the
boosters of ancient entertainments had ways Of securing a crowd
at their shows just as effective and possibly as cheaply as the
modern methods. Labor, at least, was plenty and cheap.
While advocates of blue laws are inclined to frown upon some
of our big modern entertainments, this generally works to the adj
vantage of the promoters as it provides a large percentage of adj
verhsng at no cost. This is recognized by the promoters of the
vantage of by them. Physical courage and daring and exhibitions
of human skill is an imperative part of all great spectacles, and is
no less SO now than in the days of gladiatorial contests in the Ro-
man arena. 1t is the real kick and the thing that draws the crowds.
1t explains the appeal of the Spanish bull fights or the heavy
weight championship bouts. 1t popularizes the wild west" show
and calls us to the circus. In medieval times i was the punch that
filled the grandstands with the beauty and chivalry of the nation
to view the contests with lance and sword, and which sets the
blood coursing at a hvlier rate Just to read about.
No matter what form the recreation of a nation or people
takes, there are those to find fault with If If they all had their
way, all pleasure would be "verboten.77 Our personal experience of
the race track had little to do with the bookmakers, and our men,
cries are chiefly burdened with the spectacular side in which there
is enough appeal to make a trip to Tia Juana the consumation of
blue law advocates will admit, and a large proportion of those
who banker for the bygone days when the ponies" performed
hesitate to acknowledge this feeling. L
The law has put a crimp in many things that appeal to pop
uar taste and the secretaries and promoters of fairs and expo
siions are hard put to find substitutes that will draw the crowds.
The wild vests seem to be the best drawing cards these days
and ever. the smaller fairs are using this stunt as an attraction.
This is to be the chief drawing card of the coming state fair at
Helena and as there are hundreds of professional riders, ropers +.
and "bull-doggers, y and also ranches where a business is made of
raising and training wild" horses, these exhibitions generally "
furnish thrills enough to satisfy everyone. At the coming state
fair the prizes are liberal enough to attract the best in the pro- a
fesson. Ia
The airplane promised much in the way of spectacular per-
and also fulfilled them, but there was no profit for the G.
promoters as there was no way to corral the gate receipts. The Il
from ones own front yard was unrestricted and cheap. d