996 [lOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



THE STATE FAIR. 



Twentieth Century Farmer. 



The season of state fairs. is now before the people. That they are a 

 means of great advantage to the state in their opportunities for the expo- 

 sition of products and industries that represent the natural and acquired 

 resources of that particular state, section or district of country no one will 

 question or deny. The people of the entire civilized world are becoming 

 more and more a people of education, of research and investigation. The 

 tendencj' is to travel and be instructed by the object lessons that are 

 constantly presenting themselves to the eye. It is through this very 

 valuable organ that we . are brought to a realization of quality, of differ- 

 ences in the composition and general make-up of articles, which adds 

 attractiveness in exhibition. 



The state fair is a state enterprise that should merit the attention ana 

 support of every citizen in the state. State fairs are largely made up 6.(. 

 contributions of time, thought and labor from among public-spirited 

 citizens. The exhibitor is a public-spirited person. Premiums seldom, if 

 ever, pay the expense of money expended, time, labor and attention given 

 the growing and preparation of the article or animal exhibited. There 

 must be, and is, a contribution by the Exhibitor. It is the product of 

 pride and ambition to make his state foremost in the estimation of 

 visitors and sightseers. There is a home pride, a self pride, in the bosom 

 of every loyal citizen that places his state high in estimation and honor. 

 This is just as it should be and the more of this spirit that is instilled 

 into the people and encouraged to manifest itself in work, the better the 

 state fair will be, and the greater the general prosperity of the whole 

 cominonwealth will become as a result of these conditions 



Missouri during the past week closed a successful state fair. This 

 association has met the indorsement of the citizens of the state. It has 

 been backed up by the most liberal assistance in state appropriations for 

 Buildings and equippage in exhibition facilities. "While wet weather 

 interferred to some extent with the attendance, this is viewed as only a 

 temporary circumstance and its management will go ino the preparation 

 for 1906 with renewed earnestness and zeal to make the state fair better 

 in all respects each year. 



Iowa has its state fair in operation this week and in matter, exhibits 

 and preparation for a successful show surpasses all past history. Iowa's 

 state fair is one of the big state fairs of the United States. It is in the 

 contest for supremacy and states entering the race with Iowa must 

 move forward at a rapid pace. 



