RURAL AMERICA 



the county and a healthy rivalry exists among the various 

 sections of the county. Of course each group of schools 

 vies with all others in the preparation of the most interesting 

 program of events. A certain section of another county is 

 very musical and in the course of each year a number of 

 musical entertainments take place. Other counties emphasize 

 athletic events in their gatherings. Still others take a special 

 interest in the history of their local territory and have annual 

 celebrations of a commemorative character. Moreover, pag- 

 eants and festivals are becoming quite common in many parts 

 of the country. 



Eaton County, Michigan, conducts township play picnics in 

 connection with the eighth grade promotion exercises of the 

 country schools. All the rural schools of the country co- 

 operate in these athletic events and they are held in different 

 parts of the county. In Greene County, Ohio, the two 

 Christian Associations unite in giving county carnivals. Boy 

 Scout maneuvers, the exercises of groups of small girls, 

 athletic events, band concerts and the like provide pleasure 

 for young and old alike. A very successful play festival in 

 Delta, Colorado, a year ago, was attended by a large crowd. 

 The features of the day were relay races, boys' and girls' 

 basketball games, potato races, football games, nail-driving 

 contests, archball games and other events. In Charlevoix, 

 Michigan, a series of play festivals was conducted during 

 the spring of 1914. Because of the great number taking part 

 in these festivals, widespread interest and enthusiasm were 

 aroused. The winners in the contests received their rewards 

 in the form of attractive badges. Windsor County, Vermont, 

 has for a number of years had an annual county play day on 

 the fair grounds. This is given under the auspices of the 

 County Young Men's Christian Association. In 1914 there 

 were 450 different contestants and eighteen separate com- 

 munities represented. Interesting features of the day were 

 an anglers' tournament, a demonstration of first aid to the 

 injured, a number of athletic events participated in by boys 

 and girls, and trap shooting. A barbecue was served at noon, 



