Thursday, October 12, 2023

Ahoskie Fair Drawing Crowd, Particularly at the Races, Oct. 12, 1923

Colored Fair Having a Large Attendance. . . Friday Is Woman’s Day and It Is Expected to be Biggest of All Days

Good weather and fair crowds have featured the third annual fair of the Atlantic District Fair Association, colored, at Ahoskie the first three days. Tuesday was the opening day. Besides the fast race program which is proving to be the main attraction as heretofore, little was doing on the now busy mid-way on the first day. Several carloads of show tents and concessionaires were busy on that day erecting their stands.

Although the first two days were well attended, the nights have been the big attendance pullers. The Wednesday afternoon attendance picked up considerably, and Thursday afternoon an even larger attendance is expected, owing to the big features of the day, which is designated Educational Day. Rev. P.A. Bisho of Roxobel and attorney J.T. Newsome of Newport News, Va., hare billed to make talks during the day. Wednesday was Farmers’ Day, with following taking part on the program: C.S. Mitchell, County Agent of Gates; L.E. Hall, District Agent of Raleigh; and J.D. Wray, State Colored Club Agent of Greensboro.

Friday will be the final day of the fair, and it is on this day the largest crowd is expected to attend. I tis Woman’s Day. Mrs. Florence Williams, State Health Department, Raleigh, and Mrs. Annie Holland, State Educational Department, Raleigh, will be the speakers of the day.

The midway is now one of the busiest sections in the enclosure, and there are all kinds of concessions to entertain. The Old Plantation Show is doing a big business, and along with the other entertainers are getting some of the shekels that are flowing freely out at the grounds this week.

The exhibits, though not so large, show to advantage the results of work being done on farms, in the homes, and the schools of Hertford and adjoining counties. The farm exhibit of Preston Pierce is good, and includes just about everything produced on the well regulated farm plantation. The handiwork of Pleasant Plains School commands attention, and is a revelation to the person who knows nothing about what’s taking place in the colored schools. Every manner of basketry, and woodwork is on exhibit; and drawings and illustrations of school work are all good. The Waters Normal Institute of Winton also vies strongly with the smaller school in its exhibits.

The exhibits of the quilts, fancy work, and sewing, on the second floor of the exhibit building, are also indicative of many good housewives among the colored race.

The races have been fast and interesting, the track is in excellent shape, and there has been no hitch in the program. J.E. (Bud) Hall is in charge as secretary, with H.B. Reynolds as track manager. The program for the two remaining days is as follows: Thursday afternoon (races begin promptly at 1:30), free for all trot or pace, and 2:20 trot; Friday afternoon, 2:24 pace, and 2:35 trot or pace. The purses are $200, $125, $150 and $100, respectively.

From the front page of the Hertford County Herald, Ahoskie, N.C., Friday, Oct. 12, 1923

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