Big Crowd at Erlanger Fair

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.

from the Kentucky Post,  August 26, 1910