416 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



tion and equipment. Boys and girls were running some of the big trac- 

 tors, the object being to show their simplicity of management and control. 



The exhibits made by farm bureaus from several counties created a keen 

 rivalry and interest and the variety of farm products on exhibition was a 

 revelation to those city folks who had in mind only corn, wheat, oatrf and 

 a few other staples. Hundr-eds of different crop products were displayed 

 and the manner of exhibiting them showed much skill and resourcefulness. 

 The county agents were on duty and gave needed information about their 

 exhibits and about the counties represented. A book for registration was 

 available and people had an opportunity of knowing who wa^ at the fair 

 from that particular section. The county agents and farm bureau repre- 

 sentatives held a great meeting in the large tent and a number of ad- 

 dresses were delivered by men of state and national reputation. A free- 

 for-all discussion upon practical themes afforded all an opportunity to take 

 part in the deliberations. 



One of the real big features at every fair is the stock parade. It was 

 estimated that over a million dollars' was represented and those who had 

 seen the animals on exhibition in their stalls or in the judging ring had 

 an opportunity of seeing them in action. It is doubtless true that a better 

 display of blooded animals was never assembled at any other place on 

 earth. People from adjoining states, and from remote sections', some from 

 Canada and some from South America were amazed at the magnitude of 

 the exhibit. One thing that was especially noteworthy was the interest 

 taken in the fine display of horses. In the past America has looked to 

 France, England and Belgium for its high-class breeding stock; now those 

 countries? must look to America. The indications are that there will be a 

 marked stimulus in the horse industry and it was plainly to be seen at 

 this great fair that Iowa is prepared io do its share in providing blooded 

 animals for export. The hog exhibit was the greatest in the history of 

 the country. There were nearly 5,000 animals on exhibition and every type 

 known to breeders was represented. Hog experts' declare that it would 

 not be possible to duplicate the exhibit in any other state in the Union. 

 A few years ago it did not require much space for the sheep exhibit. When 

 the management wanted a building especially for sheep it was freely 

 stated that Iowa is not a sheep state, but the exhibits in recent years have 

 discounted the statement. The great sheep pavilion was taxed to the limit. 

 Something out of the ordinary was the exhibit of milk goats and these at- 

 tracted unusual attention. The cattle exhibit has never been surpassed at 

 this or any other fair. 



One of the really big features at the fair is that under the control of the 

 women. The best investment Iowa ever made was when an appropriation 

 wa^ made some years ago for the construction of the Woman's Building. 

 Here are held child welfare meetings, baby contests, sanitary exhibits with 

 lectures and information. Domestic science experts are on duty all the 

 time and fine arts, household necessities and a miscellaneous display of 

 various kinds' make this a really attractive place for both men and women. 

 Lectures, entertainments and technical discussions afford a great educa- 

 tional feature for the thousands who attend. The exhibits from the vari- 

 ous canning clubs and the demonstrations by girls who have participated 

 in the work in their home communities gave the young people a great 

 opportunity for observation and study. lowa'S great college at Ames as 

 usual had a display and gave demonstrations and lectures that drew thou- 

 sands and the various displays excited a lively interest. 



The amusement and entertaining features were of a high order and drew 

 immense crowds to the grand stand. In fact, thousands were turned away 

 because there was no room for them. This suggests an enlargement of 

 the amphitheater before many years. The various attractions in different 

 buildings and on the grounds afforded everybody diversion and variety. 

 There is still a widespread interest in horse racing, and while no horses 

 01 wide fame were on the turf, nevertheless local interest centered in some 

 of the best steppers and there was much vigorous shouting from the grand 

 stand as their favorite animal nosed a little ahead as she came under the 

 wire. The automobile races created much exciting interest. There is 



