34. 



ANNUAL REPORT 

 July 1, 197A - June 30, 1975 



Division of Fairs 



E. Gerry Mansfield, Director 



One hundred and thirty-two fairs and shows were held and had 

 an attendance of 2,762,597. These fairs and shows were grouped as 

 follov;s: 21 Major, 21 Community, 28 Youth, 22 Livestock and 40 

 Grange. All major fairs were inspected and the reports are on file. 

 The remaining fairs and shows were not inspected this year due to 

 the austerity program. Agricultural exhibits amounted to 97,855 of 

 which 42,799 were youth exhibits. Ten fairs held Pari-Mutuel racing 

 and contributed $2,022,045.11 to the Agricultural Purposes Fxond. 

 This fund provides the necessary funds for agricultural and related 

 prizes at fairs, provides exhibits for and maintenance of the State 

 Building located on the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in V/est 

 Springfield, inspection of fairs, special awards and promotional 

 activities. The Division of Fairs v/as allotted $295,200 for the 1974- 

 1975 fiscal year. Fairs received for prizes $227,424.73 and these 

 fairs contributed $171,606.77 making a total of $399,031.50 awarded 

 for agricultural exhibits. 



The following awards were made: 388 state ribbons, 11 plaques, 

 31 FFA medals, 4,000 4-H pins, 100 4-H pens, and 6 trays. Awards 

 were made at agricultural fairs and shows and for youth activities, 

 including Future Farmers of America and 4-H Contests. 



In the Massachusetts State Building at the Eastern States Expo- 

 sition, various agricultural and horticultural groups furnished 

 several interesting promotional exhibits. Other exhibits included 

 the 4-H organization, the Mt. Tom Ski School, also arts and crafts. 



