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distributed through the Department of Agriculture and the Massachusetts 

 Department of Commerce. 



The Agricultural Calendar and News Letter was published monthly 

 and sent to fair officials, leaders of agricultural organizations, extension 

 personnel, radio, television and newspapers. 



Applications were received by April 1, 1972 from 130 fairs for 

 allotments for the 1972-73 fiscal year. 



Over the years, the Division of Fairs has always attempted to 

 assist the Massachusetts Fairs in any way possible. 



This year, through Chapter 987 of the Acts of 1971, we were able 

 to do some concrete work in this direction. 



A grant of $200,000.00 was made available for Rehabilitation of 

 Facilities at Non-Piacing Fairs. The money was to be distributed among those 

 fairs requesting assistance under this program, 



A 100 per cent grant system was instituted for the first year. 

 However, the prograjn will eventually operate on a matching fxmds basis. The 

 areas for which a fair would be eligible for assistance according to priority 

 of need were: 1, Public Health 2. Animal Health 3. Display (including tents), 



All requests were reviewed by an impartial committee consisting of 



the following members: 



Nathan Chandler, Commissioner of Agriculture 

 E, Gerry Mansfield, Director - Division of Fairs 

 Philip Good, Executive Secretary - Mass, Farm Bureau 

 John Gorman, Chairman - Agricultural Committee - 



Massachusetts State Grange 

 Dr, Merle Howes, Director - Extension Programs for 4-H 

 Charles Thayer, Massachusetts Fairs Association 

 G, W. Wynne, Western Massachusetts Fairs Association 



This program will prove beneficial not only to the fairs but to the 



general public. Fairs are an important part of the American way of life and 



strengthening them can only benefit the agricultural industry in Massachusetts. 



