The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-03
Entertainment Program Is Feature Of Show
 At Auditorium

Increasing crowds flocked to the mu- nicipal auditorium Tuesday afternoon and night to see the half-million dol lar motor display offered by the Dixie Automobile show.
 Visitors, exhibitors and officials of the Birmingham Motor Trade associa- tion, under whose auspices the show IS being held, all expressed delight with the success attained at the opening.
 The 50 new motor cars displayed, many of them models not hitherto pre- sented even at private showlngs, were objects of great interest. The $25,OOO chassis sent by the Cadillac factory, the Buick four-wheel display, the new novel disnlay of snubbers, stabilators and many other motor car parts and access sories, as we'll as radio accessories, were regarded as novel and instructive ex- hibits.
 The entertainment program is being creditably upheld by William Nappl and his orchestra and the Royal Scots quar- tet, who are apearing daily, afternoon and evening.
 Free souvenirs and prize award tick cts are being distributed at many Of the booths.
 First Local Show
 The Dixie Automobile show is Bir. mingham's first attempt at a general cooperative exhibit upon so large a scale. It is also the first paid -admis- sion show that has been held, but re. suits attained, and the comments Of visitors, indicate that this feature IS popular, rather than unpopular, wltn automobile show visitors.
 "The cost of putting on this show will be between eight and ten thousand dollars" said T. B. McCarty, president of the Birmingham Motor Trade assoc!- ation. "The purpose in charging ad- mission, however, is not to make It a profit-making venture, or even a sel1- supporting enterprise It IS to make It nossible for automobile owners and prospective owners-people genuinely interested in automobiles-to view the new offerings without the annoyance of having countless numbers ot mere curiosity seekers crowding the exhibit booths. Many visitors have praised the policy, saying that they found It nm possible even to get in the automobile shows held in past years, because they were free shows and all that lmplles'
 On the other hand, we feel that we are obliged to give people sometnlng for their money, and our critics say we have done that"
 Ed Barnard, of the Drennen Depart ment store, was showered with congrat- ulations Tuesday for his work in deco rating the interior of the municipal au- ditorium for the automobile show.
 Bower Of Beauty
 Using 2,700 yards of gold and purple silk, thirty gross of roses and scores ot graceful hanging baskets, MT. Barnard transformed the huge auditorium into a bower of striking beauty. The lay ish drapes used overhead and on the sides give the effect of great reduc- ton in size of the big hall. Mir. Bar nard made use of more than dozen transparent panels, which effectively placed before the wall lights on either side, lend a further decorative touch.
 q have seen many automobile shows, but I have never seen a prettler one than this," was the comment of 0. Cor don Erickson, director of the audlto- rum. "The artistic setting, the quality of the music provided by NappTs or chestra, the air of distinction which peryades the whole show, all tend to make it one of the most creditable en- terprises that Birmingham has at tempted. I think the Motor Trade as- sociation should be congratulated" The show will continue through Saturday night.