PROCEEDINGS STATE AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION 93 



estimated. There was not only enthusiasm shown by the young exhib- 

 itors, but the quality of many of the entries was sufficient to entitle them 

 to a place in the open classes. Generally speaking, great improvement 

 over previous years was shown in the number and finish of the animals 

 prepared for this contest. 



In the Poland China classes, Oliver Burnstedt, Des Moines, carried off 

 first prize. Lester Hanson, Atlantic, won first prize on the Durocs. Arline 

 Brown, Webster City, won first on Chester Whites. Ralph Hibbs, Le 

 Grand, won first on Hampshires. Ralph Berry, Atlantic, won first prize 

 on Spotted Polands. John Porter, Jr., Bouton, won first on Berkshires. 

 In the fat hog classes Virgil Brock, Adel, carried off the first prize. 



The boys' and girls' calf club was another exceptional feature of the 

 live stock show, the baby beef and heifer classes being large and well 

 fitted. There were 125 animals entered in the baby beef classes from the 

 Shorthorn, Hereford and Angus breeds. The champion baby beef steer 

 was shown by Vernon Shepard, Muscatine ,and the reserve champion was 

 shown by Archie Brown, Nichols. A goodly number of excellent pure-'bred 

 dairy calves was shown by enthusiastic boys and girls in competition, the 

 three popular breeds in this section being represented. 



A parade of 1,500 boys and girls, all of whom had something of special 

 interest to show or to do, was a conspicuous feature of the day on Wed- 

 nesday the 81st. This splendid parade attracted attention and cheers 

 from the grown folks all along the route, and revealed the activities of 

 the juvenile organizations in agriculture, industry and home work. 



One of the most popular features of the fair is the camping privilege 

 which is taken advantage of by thousands — many of whom take "first 

 choice" several days before the fair is officially open. The grounds de- 

 voted to this purpose now embraces 120 acres of beautiful wooded slopes 

 which are always dotted with tents by country people attending the fair 

 for an outing as well as for the educational and amusement features. 



Of the entertainment features at the state fair, about all one can say 

 is that they seem to be the best available. There is variety enough to 

 please all tastes, and while some of the midway shows are looked at ask- 

 ance by certain classes of good citizens, they manage to attract many 

 others who are not so particular. 



Taken altogether, the fair this year was a success from all standpoints 

 except that of comparative attendance. The great collection of exhibits 

 registering Iowa's progress in agriculture, industry and education, was 

 fully up to standard, for all of which the fair management deserves credit 

 in the face of obstacles and discouragements. There will be no loss this 

 year for the state to make up, Treasurer Morrow, of Afton, stating defi- 

 nitely as follows: "You can tell the public that despite a falling off in 

 attendance this year, for reasons with which everyone is familiar, the fair 

 will show a satisfactory balance on the right side of the ledger." 



As to the relative character of the fair itself, no better report can be 

 recorded than the opinion of Mr. E. P. Puffer, General Traffic Manager of 

 the Burlington Road, who stated: "I have seen many state fairs this 

 year and in past years all over the country, but Iowa has this year the 

 greatest fair exhibit I have ever seen. I don't believe such a collection of 



