Arrangements are almost completed for Fairmont’s Big Fourth of July celebration—Parade Formation to be known early next week
Last night’s committee meeting was the most enthusiastic of any held yet. Arrangements are almost complete for the big celebration, which will bring thousands of people to our city and entertain them so well that Fairmont will hereafter be the mecca for hundreds of out-of-town people bent on both pleasure and business.
The parade committee has several new “stunts” up their sleeves, which will not be divulged until you actually see the results of their work.
A novel feature will be the pony turnouts, and prizes of gold will be awarded as follows:
$3.00 in gold, first prize, to the most unique turnout of pony under saddle. Second prize is $2.00 in gold. For the most novel turnout of pony to harness, $3.00 in gold and $2.00 for second.
Word comes from Benton’s Ferry that the prize of $15.00 in gold will surely be carried off by a wagon from that neighborhood. No particulars were learned, but it is known that two wagons at least are being overhauled, extra horses hired, and friends asked to swell the crowd. But Benton’s Ferry will not walk away with first prize without an extra effort as Rivesville, Montana, Amos, [near Fairview] Barrackville, Farmington, and Watson are all after the money. Mr. “Billum” Bailey says Gray’s Flats has the biggest wagon in this section, and while he doesn’t need the $15.00, he thinks Gray’s Flats should have the honor. [it was like the car shows of today. I would have loved to see all the entrants.] These gold prizes are open to the owner or driver of the wagon bringing the most people to town and is confined strictly to out of town people.
These offers have stimulated the ponies’ owners to unusual efforts, and some striking effects are promised. Here’s a chance for the wide-awake boys and girls of the city to earn some money and have a good time while they are doing it.
Worthington has promised to send their band of “Rocky Mountain Hay-Riders,” { I could not find out anything about this band. If anyone has information about them, please comment below. I will pass it on} the most famous aggregation west of the Alleghanies and one rivaling the famous Spiral Tower as an attention attractor. { This attraction was brought in by the Merchants Association of Fairmont. It was a spectacle where a man rolls from the top of an immense tower down an incline which was certainly a death defining and thrilling feat. Lionel Legare had been performing this act for seven years prior at a number od successful expositions, fairs, carnivals and fairs. The big act was frequently termed “whole show itself.” The exhibit also contained rifle shooting, head balancing, hand balancing, and two parts were to intricate for either words or illustrations to describe.} The “worthy” people of that hustling little city will no doubt turn out in great numbers to witness the triumph of their favorites.
Get up your crowd, as many as you can bring, drive to the courthouse where a member of the committee will take your name and count your load; you will then be asked to go to the point where the parade forms and immediately after the parade the first, second, and third in gold will be given out. It’s impressive how they figured out how to get so many people into town for these occasions. Money was always needed, and these other towns were proud of where they lived and wanted to show it. Today, Fairmont has no parade, and even if they did not, many would show up] As the parade forms at 10:30 sharp, it is necessary that all wagons report to the courthouse before 10 o’clock. Any reporting after that will be barred from the contest.
All secret orders desiring a place in the parade are requested to communicate with Mr. J. H. Rowend chairman of the parade committee, as soon as possible.
People are asked to decorate their homes and businesses on the 4th and help make it one grand gala day for the old town. Let your slogan be “Fairmont for the Fourth.”
More Attractions for the Fourth
Gertrude St. Clair would ascend in a balloon at 12 o’clock and again at 7 o’clock from some point near the courthouse, probably on Jefferson Street.
A fake battle was held at the fairgrounds [where the coke plant Sharon Steel was]. Fake ammunition was used, and the battle was a crowd pleasure.
Automobile races, [first one in the area] and horse races.
Cakewalks are always a sweet treat!
Child dancers from the famous Dr. Turner’s dance school in Fairmont.
Fat men’s races, 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, junior 100-yard dash, and the always fun potato race.
No fireworks are permitted from 10 o’clock am to 12 o’clock noon.
Local bands will play all day in front of the courthouse.
The West Virginian July of 1908
I wish all my readers a safe and wonderful Fourth!
