SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK-PART IX. 471 



big drum with his two arms flying like a Dutch windmill in an effort 

 to pound both ends of his drum at one time, made a whole show of 

 himself. Big Sandy, by the way, who seemed to be spokesman for the 

 party, said that after a tour covering thirty-four State fairs he called 

 this the greatest of them all. Among the amusing incidents was the 

 act of a practical joker, who, in dilapidated buggy, hauled by a wornout 

 old horse, constantly tooted a loud automobile gong, scaring the wits out 

 of those who, in fear of being run over, jumped hurriedly out of the 

 way, only to be loudly laughed at for their excited action. 



F.\RMERS CAMP ON THE GROUNDS. 



The Iowa State Fair is a leader in that it gets together a larger 

 number of farmers who come to camp through the week than any other 

 fair of which we have any knowledge. It is provided with a splendid 

 shaded tract, in which tents are pleasantly located, and It was the esti- 

 mate of the tent companies who furnished tents and other camping appli- 

 ances that 5,000 people were located in the shady groves during the fair. 

 The practice of camping during the Iowa State Fair is a growing one and 

 with it has increased the habit of families or communities of driving from 

 fifty to one hundred and fifty miles and camping on the way, making 

 the trip to and from the fair a regular summer outing. 



A feature which ought to be improved upon and which would be 

 highly popular would be that of county buildings. At present a building 

 is provided by Polk county and it is headquarters for all people of that 

 county and a wonderful convenience to them. It would be well worth 

 the while of boards of supervisors in other counties to make appropria- 

 tions for buildings of this sort. 



Agricultural and horticultural displays seemed rather not up to the 

 usual point of excellence. Those who were closely connected with them 

 feel that there should be a more liberal offer of premiums for the en- 

 couragement of the various branches. A system of county exhibits such 

 as have made the Nebraska State Fair famous would no doubt add to 

 the interest in Iowa. There is, however, a noticeable lack of personal 

 enterprise and without this no really successful show can be promoted. 

 It would be a valuable lesson to exhibitors, and particularly to producers 

 who have not yet become exhibitors, could they attend the Minnesota 

 Fair now in progress and note the wonderful show of fruit, grains and 

 vegetables produced in that State, where the conditions are certainly 

 not nearly so favorable as in Iowa. 



IMPROVEMENT IN FAIR BUILDINGS. 



Some considerable improvement in buildings has been provided during 

 the last year. One of these was a new brick cattle barn on a plan which, 

 It is presumed, will be followed by additional barns to be provided later. 

 In the swine department the same old lack of accommodations existed. 

 Pens were of necessity placed in locations inconvenient and unsatisfac- 

 tory to exhibitors and the business convenience of those who came with 

 stock to sell was given no consideration whatever. It is to be hoped 

 that the management of the Iowa State Fair will, during the coming 



