ANNUAL, MEETING. T9 



erlj canaged, not only command the i*espect, support and confidence of 

 the people of the county, but its influence reaches out to the people of 

 adjoining coimties, who become interested and show their intei'est and 

 appreciation by their attendance and patronage. In short, the county 

 fair becomes an event of great importance. It brings the county into 

 prominence and in many ways is helpful in developing and brightening 

 the intelligence of its people in the art of agriculture and kindred work. 

 It is truly an educational institution and should be so conducted as to 

 make this feature of its usefulness the one thing essential above all 

 others. I feel that nothing should be permitted in connection with the 

 fair that does not have the approval of the people of fhe county. 



But aside from this, and aside from those who make the exhibits and 

 in other ways contril)ute to its success for a money consideration, and 

 aside from those more directly interested in its education features, it has 

 been found necessary to provide suitable entertainment and amusement 

 for those in attendance. Children attending school need rest, as you 

 know, and also amusement to help them along in their school work. So 

 it is with the county fair. It seems necessary for the management to 

 provide special featm-es to meet the wants and desires of those who 

 throng the grounds for that purpose. The masses go there for entertain- 

 ment and amusement, and entertainment and amusement they must have. 



People are social beings and in a social way naturally crave and en- 

 joy the pleasures and diversions that go to make up the cheery side of 

 lif. So the county fair is looked forward to by the masses of the people- 

 as a time for rest, social enjoyment and amusement. 



I have found from my research into pioneer days that the special 

 features of the fairs then consisted usually of slow mule races, foot 

 races, wheelbarrow races and other "funny" things, simple and inexpen- 

 sive, the favorite attraction being that of contests in ladies' side-saddle 

 horseback riding. I may also add that it was the custom in Johnson 

 County in those early days to invite some distinguished person to deliver 

 an address some time during fair week. Later on the favorite saddle 

 steed gave way to the favorite in harness on the race track. Gradually 

 thereafter the speed program became the leading feature in the list of 

 all the special attractions of a successful county fair. 



