The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1930-08-21
THE COUNTY FAIR

Stearns.
The fact that harvest was nearly two
weeks earlier this year than usual put the
farmers right in the very thick of shock
threshing during fair time.
The facts are that the farmers Of
Stearns county do not attend the fair in any
year in the same proportion as they do in
Todd county, for instance.
The attitude of the business men of
Sank Centre is only luke warm at most and
in some instances there is direct opposition.
The latter maintain that the fair has out
lived it's usefulness and should be allowed to
die.
The Herald is convinced that the spon-
soring of the All clubs of Stearns County by
the Fair Association justifes it's existence.
The Herald believes that the high grade
purebred and tuberculin tested livestock ex-
hibited in increasing numbers each year
proves the value of the Stearns County fair
to the agriculturists of Central Minnesota.
Ever since the Herald editor came to
Sank Centre Is years ago the fair has waged
an intensive fight for it's financial existence
The officers during the years have been
efficient and conscientious. None of their
predecessors have worked more intelligently
or more diligently than have President J. B.
SchoenhOff, Vice President Ben Otte, Secre-
tary Gunther Hillerud, and Treasurer C.. E.
Bohall. They have been supported by strong
men at the head of the various departments
The question of the time of holding is
a problem. The best success was attained
when the Fair closed on the evening of July
4. These dates were abandoned this year
N fN into al -
the county who might desire to celebrate
The old officers have reluctantly con-
sented to give of their time year after year
because only very small number attended
the annual meetings.
Perhaps conditions would be improved
If the affairs of the Association were placed
In entirely new hands. This result can cas-
lily be accomplished with those interested in
a change attending the annual meetings.
The question of the admission charge
has been bone of contention always. It
must be recognized that it costs money to
put on county fair. The meagre attend
ance has made it necessary to maintain a
higher admission charge than would be nee
essary if all in Western Stearns spend day
or two at the fair every year.
Several years ago the Steele county Fair
threw the gates open to the public. This
county has IL townships with a population
OF less than 10000. One third of the popu-
lation is in the city of Owatonna Last year
the records show that $4,000 people passed
through the turnstiles the three fair days.
The revenue is secured by charging a stiff
admission price to the grandstand If one
desires to witness the free attractions at
owatonna they must go into the grandstand.
The Blue Earth County fair at Mankato
held couple of weeks ago threw the gates
open to- the public. A charge of SO cents
each was made for automobiles, regardless
OF how many people the car contained. The
grandstand at Mankato seats Approximately
1000. A grandstand charge was made. Mr..
Rath, well known citizen of Mankato.
spent several days this week in this city
visiting with his daughter, Mrs. w. D.Il
OGara. He informed the Herald editor that
this years fair was by far the most success
ful in the county's history. The attendance
was well over $4,000.
The question of amusement is always a
problem. Harness horse races have been
abandoned at Sank Centre because of a we'll
grounded feeling that most races were
fixed" before the horses left the barns. It
is pretty hard to have competition in half
dozen horse: races, with four required to
start, if there are only dozen or so horses {
M the grounds.
For several years ball games were book !
ed between teams representing different Sec {
lions of the county, These games did not :
attract gate of any size and the grandstand l
receipts were almost NIL
With the success of Steele and Blue
Earth counties, with free admission in mind,
The Herald believes the plan is worth a
thorough Investigation.