The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-28
's;aINTS MEET .bl,EAKS RECORD FOR ATTENDANCE Nearly 5000 Delegates In Birmingham For An
 nual Sessions ELECTION FEATURE
 FOR CLOSING DAY Barbecue And FrOlic At East Lake Big Event
 Of Wednesday

Record attendance figures for the annual convention of the Alabama Merchants asso- citation went by the boards Wednesday afternoon with the total still being sWelled by the incoming visitors.
 When headquarters closed Wednesday evening, 2,916 mer- chants, their families, and out of-town travelling representa- tives had been listed in com parison with the former high mark of 2,734, made last year, and ASIA in 1922. c. F. Yarn, secretary, declared that an additional 400 retailers were expected to register Thursday, the final of the three-day meeting.
 The program Wednesday featured barbecue at East Lake park which drew around 5000 people. Here, un- der a natural canopy of trees, long ta-. b1es were spread to appease the appe~ tites whetted during the days whirl and contests run off before the huge gathering late in the afternoon. Music was furnished by the Boys Industrial school band, G
 Contests Held
 The contests, held amidst deal of friendly rivalry, found the prizes well seq attere1 BlaHn o0nn N';th faanI fS1Spoae cf 2 " tn D. tfff A. Linton H. Ga15ler. and ]. V. Martin experienced little aiffieulty fn carrying off honors in the ttlg-of-w4F. q J. D.. Mitchell of Hollsy Pond, won the horse shoe pitching contest which proved one of the most popular on the program. B. Lollar, a one-armed tosser from Brookside, took second place after a hard battle with Mitchell for the pre- tmier honors.
 The fat mems race, 200 pounds and up, developed some spirited dashes, but 70. w, Alley of Cullman, was able to hold enough in reserve to stave off the last minute sprints of his heavy contemporaries. $. Wilson of Dora. captured second place.
 In the egg and spoon race Roy An thOny of Majestic added $10 to his purse by finishing first in series of close heats. Jim Simmons, Birming- ham, coralled second money in this event.
 The feature card of the convention is scheduled for Thursday evening at Cascade Plunge when water sports and dancing occupy stage. As high-light of the former contests bathing beauty festival is to be held. which includes as competitors some of the prettiest of state talent. Prizes totaling $110 are up in this event. sas
 Besides the review, the aquatic pro gram lists Iaen's diving and swimming contests, women's diving and swimming contests, and special awards for the. best lady swimmer and floater.
 Entertainment for the evening will 'bc in charge of NJ. N. Krenenberg, who has named as judges Lee Hicks, Mason Martin, Henry L. Badham, Mrs. J. c. Watkins, with three others to be se- lected later. Added attractions to the program will be two dances, one Ha- waiiah by Miss Catherine Zelban, and n tango by Miss Zelban and Miss Ruby Trent.
 Business Thursday
 Immediately after the contests the Wholesale Merchants and Manufactur- CTS association will award a touring car to one of the visiting merchants. A dance in the ballroom will follow thereafter.
 {. An important business session is programed for the merchants Thursday morning when they meet at the Cham Ter of Commerce auditorium to hear re- ports of committees, elect officers, and make pRns for next year. The aft ernoon is left to the discretion of the merchants with invitations extended for visits to Birmingham places of busi- ness.
 Present offieials, of the Alabama Mer- chants association are: Lee Hicks, president; E. C.Kinney, first vice pres ident I; J. F. 8IcGraw, second vice presi- dent; c. F. Yarn, secretary R. o. Cranford, J. R. Waldrop, Reuben Wes- dall. w. l.. Guttery. s. T. Palmer, J. w. Moore, W. A. Jordan. Emmet King, Is. J. Cowart, George Edwards and ". T. Diekerson, directors.