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Crowds from the east, from the north, south and west. Kenton-co was there
galore yesterday and today at the big fair in Erlanger. And why? Because
there is a certain enticement about a big fair, the meeting of friends
from all parts of the community, the gay crowds, the exhibits in which
there is always some personal interest; the horses, pride of Kentucky,
competing in the "sport of Kings;" the bands, playing the old tunes; the
ballyho and the midway. It's just like a circus - it thrills - but it has
a better, more wholesome thrill, because it's so unprofessional, all so
essentially homelike and a part of ourselves.
The Directors of the big fair at Erlanger this year have spared no pains
to see that their many patrons are well entertained. Take the substantial
things of the fair - the sleek, well groomed horses, the lowing cattle,
beribboned; the poultry and the fancy jellies, and beautiful handiwork of
the women of our own Kenton-co; the races, in which there is indeed some
class, and the numerous offerings on the midway - all help to round out a
day of pleasure for those who travel the dusty roads to mingle with the
throngs.
Enter the big grove (for that's the fair grounds) under the arched gates,
pass down the long board walk past the cattle and live stock displays and
the department of women's work, inhale the odorous blossoms in the floral
hall, notice the furniture display from Theodore Heek, of Cincinnati, pass
into the grand stand and see the prancing steeds as they prepare to course
the track, mayhap go to the betting stand and be plunger, and go into the
midway, where the sound of the ballyho and the hawker increases the din of
the crowd. Here is the tall man, standing far above his confreres, here
the Devil in Art, enticing patrons, here the "South Before the War," a
minstrel show of quality, and the inevitable Oriental dancers fresh from
the Sultan's court, the African dip, a negro perched on a trapeze and
waiting on a ball thrown by a patron to unclasp the rod and dip him into
the cold plunge, ducks swimming in a small pond and awaiting an owner who
shall throw a hoop over their heads, the palmist dealing in mystery and
telling shy maidens and swains what their futures shall be, frankfurters,
peanuts, popcorn and all kindred refreshments awaiting sampling and over
all the cry of the ballyho and the voice of the hawker bidding the merry
throng to enter and partake of the mysteries of the sideshow. |