FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VII. 679 



WHAT THE STATE FAIR MEANS TO THE FARMER. 



Alson Secor in Twentieth Century Farmer. 



In giving a brief review of the Iowa State Fair all] detailed description of 

 exhibits will necessarily be omitted. Just as well, anyway. The readers 

 who saw the great fair need no such description, and those who did not at- 

 tend the fair would not be benefited thereby. 



It is our purpose to tell what the State fairs mean to the farmer, and if 

 possible arouse enough interest in the nonattending readers that they may 

 attend the next fair, or show the unobserving readers who did attend what 

 they should see when they go. 



The fair this year was a fitting celebration of its golden anniversary. The 

 weather was perfect for such an event and the attendance was the very best. 

 The exhibition as a whole was equal to any ever shown. 



Iowa has finally become aroused and is making such permanent im- 

 provements on the grounds as befits the greatest agricultural State in the 

 Union. Last year a fine new stock pavilion was dedicated, and this year 

 close by stands a splendid new agricultural hall for the exhibition of agri- 

 cultural, horticultural, floricultural and dairy products. New bricks walks 

 are marked improvements. 



The department made money this year and no doubt other improvements 

 will grace the grounds another year. Larger amphitheater capacity is much 

 needed. It is a shame to pay for a seat to see the races and other enter- 

 tainments and be compelled to stand up all the afternoon. Hundreds of 

 people would gladly sit in the amphitheater if they were sure they could sit 

 after they entered. They prefer to stand in the hot sun and look over the 

 track fence, or sit on the steps of "nearby machine halls than pay for a seat in 

 the shade and then stand in a jam. 



The street car company handles the crowds nicely. They have also made 

 some important improvements in the grounds. But so long as men exist 

 they will be in a hurry and crowd like sheep. They stampede without cause. 

 Nothing short of lightning speed in getting home when they once start suits 

 the rushing American. 



STRANGE BUT TRUE. 



'Tis strange but true that the railroads do not make any effort to handle 

 the increased traffic of State fair week. They seem to feel that they do their 

 duty when they reduce the rate for the great event. What does it matter to 

 them if men, women and children stand in the aisle for hours after they are 

 already excessively wearied by one or two days' tramping through the fair 

 grounds? Farmers would not allow overcrowding of hog or cattle cars; they 

 must put up with the overcrowded passenger coach, where health and 

 strength of men and women are sacrificed to corporation greed. Thousands 

 stay at home for that very reason. 



But standing wedged in the aisle for hours in both going to and returning 

 from the Iowa fair, we got there, saw the great show and finally landed 

 safe at home, a wise and weary man. 



