98 IOWA DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE 



turkeys, and also an aquarium containing the several species of fish native 

 to Iowa waters. 



The Babies Health Contest, where 350 babies were entered and given 

 scientific health tests proved to be one of the interesting and educational 

 features of the fair. 



The Boys' Camp consisted of 100 of Iowa's bright farm boys, one from 

 each county in the state and one at large. Selection was made by a com- 

 petitive essay contest written on the subject: "Farming in Iowa as an 

 Occupation — Its Possibilities as Compared with other Vocations." These 

 boys were brought to the fair, housed, fed, instructed and entertained at 

 the expense of the fair. In return they assisted in the collection of tickets 

 in the morning round-up and ushered at the amphitheater and live stock 

 pavilion. At the close of the fair the boys submitted essays on "What I 

 Saw and Learned at the Iowa State Fair." These essays are convincing 

 proof that the Iowa State Fair should be classed as one of Iowa's great edu- 

 cational institutions. The lessons gained by the boys from practical dem- 

 onstrations and object lessons will, no doubt, stay with them through 

 life. 



The amusement features provided — and which are necessary for the 

 success of any well managed fair — were the best the management could 

 secure. Four bands and one orchestra played seventeen concerts daily in 

 the buildings and stands about the grounds. 



The total attendance at the amphitheater in the afternoon was 44,180 

 and at night 54,821. These figures are surely an evidence that patrons of 

 the Iowa State Fair appreciate the high class entertainment furnished. 

 They also substantiate the contention of the fair managers in general that 

 the patrons of the state fair demand a period for relaxation and rest of 

 mind and body after spending several hours going about the grounds and 

 studying the exhibits. 



IMPKOVEMEXTS MADE DURING 1913. 



The improvements made during the year 1913 were paid for from the 

 anticipated receipts of the 1913 fair with the exception of the Women 

 and Children's building which was not started until after the close of the 

 fair. The total amount expended for permanent improvements from fair 

 receipts amounted to $22,578.96. The principal items were $4,295.33 for 

 taking care of the unsightly creek passing through the main portion of 

 the grounds with a four foot cement storm sewer; $2,312.79 balance on 

 1912 contract for cross section of brick horse barn; $2,018.29 for installing 

 two sets of sanitary toilets in the horse barn; $1,998.99 for new cement 

 walks; $1,723.33 for moving and remodeling the old street car station 

 for a permanent dining hall. The remodeling included an addition 16x80 

 feet for kitchen and serving rooms, cement floor throughout, steam boiler 

 and cookers, large refrigerating room and other conveniences that make 

 it the largest and most sanitary dining hall on the grounds. The capacity 

 is approximately 450 people at one sitting. The other items for permanent 

 improvements are itemized in the attached statement. 



WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S milLDING. 



The Women and Children's building now in process of construction 

 upon the fair grounds and for which the 35th general assembly made an 

 appropriation of $75,000, will be completed by .July 1, 1914. The ))uilding 



