THE STREET FAIR.
The street fair is the most popular form of modern local enterprise, and
has been growing in popularity for several years.
WHAT IT IS.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Brooks._
]
The street fair consists of a series of temporary booths erected on both
sides of the main street of a town, or around a central square or park,
if the town is laid out that way. These booths are built at the outer
edge of the sidewalk, upon the roadway, leaving the passageway of the
sidewalk at one side and the middle of the street at the other side.
Most booths face the street, although often they are arranged to face
both the street and the sidewalk. Each merchant builds his booth before
his own store, making a display of merchandise in the booth, but selling
goods only from his regular stock. Confectionery, notions, etc., are
also sold from booths. At the street corners or interspersed among the
booths of the merchants, are raised platforms on which free
entertainments, such as juggling, acrobatic acts, legerdemain, etc., are
given at stated intervals for the amusement of the people. In connection
with the street fair, various special attractions are arranged, a
balloon ascension one day, a parade of floats on another, and so on,
according to the fancy or enterprise of the committee.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Wietlispach._
]
THE OBJECT.
The free street fair is intended not only to attract temporary crowds to
a town, but to make the town popular to the farming and outlying
community tributary to it. Many farmers live within reach of two or,
perhaps, three towns; but the enterprising town—the one that entertains
the farmers with free street fairs, is supposed to be thereafter favored
with the largest share of trade.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Siemon._
]
Moreover, the street fair gives merchants an excellent opportunity to
make the acquaintance of the neighboring farmers and residents of
smaller, near by towns. This acquaintance ripens into a friendship and
mutual respect that not only wins trade, but holds it for all time.
SUCCESS OF STREET FAIRS.
How successful the scheme of free street fairs has been is evinced by
the fact that towns which have once held this sort of entertainment are
always eager to continue them the next year, and the next—and are still
holding street fairs. Seldom has the committee been called upon to
collect a dollar of the original subscription—for the fairs pay their
own way, and only cost each merchant the expense of his individual
display. It is stated that no street fair has ever been a failure since
the idea was first conceived, although of course the measure of their
success depends greatly upon the ability of the committee and the
enterprise of the merchants in making attractive displays.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Landers._
]
ADVANTAGES OVER COUNTY FAIRS.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Walthes._
]
The street fair has proved itself much superior to the old style county
or state fair. The people are held day and night at the door of the
merchants instead of spending their time two or three miles away from
town. The old-style fair leaves a town deserted, dull and forlorn. Trade
is at a standstill, and merchants agree it is almost as well to close
their doors during fair week. The street fair is a period of excitement,
hustling and constant sales for every merchant. The people are forced to
remain where there is a constant temptation to spend their spare
cash—and of course they spend it.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Wietlispach._
]
TIME TO HOLD STREET FAIRS.
The season of street fairs is from May to October, although some are
being held in this month of April in the warmer states. They usually
open on Tuesday morning and end Friday night, although in some cases the
entire week, including Monday and Saturday, is not considered too long a
period for the festivities.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A STREET FAIR.
First you must have a guaranteed fund. This is procured as follows: (a)
Subscriptions from merchants; (b) sale of booths and privileges; (c)
sale of advertising space on the daily souvenir programme.
The cost of a street fair is from $2,500 upward, depending on size of
your town, the amount of advertising you do, etc.
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Hastings._
]
You will need a large number of committees to properly handle your
street fair. One object of having a great many committees is to give
every business man in town something to do in connection with the fair,
so that those who are inclined to grow lukewarm will, of necessity, be
compelled to take continued interest in the forthcoming fair.
Furthermore, there are too many details connected with the work of
preparing for the fair and conducting it, to be placed on the shoulders
of one small committee. Accordingly, there must be separate committees
for each department of street fair work. The finance committee must look
after raising the money. The amusement committee must see that proper
attractions and amusements are provided. The committee on premiums will
get up the premium list, appoint judges in the various departments and
see that the awarded premiums are paid. The committee on parades and
special days will look after the work indicated by its title. You will
need also a committee on contests, such as cake walking, baby shows, old
violin players, fat men’s race, greased pole climbing, greased pig
catching and such other diversions as may be introduced for local talent
in addition to the attractions engaged from abroad. Your committee on
privileges and booths will be able to render great service to the
association by using proper judgment and enterprise. A large revenue can
be realized from the sale of booths and spaces for merry-go-rounds,
Ferris wheels, side shows, etc. Your committee on railroads will have to
look after the important work of securing special reduced rates from all
points in territory tributary to your city during the continuance of the
fair. By appointing influential men on this committee and having them go
direct to the main offices of the railroad company you will be able to
secure liberal concessions in the way of reduced excursion rates that
will greatly swell your attendance during the week. Your committee on
advertising will have plenty of work to do. It is a good plan to appoint
the local newspaper men on this committee. They will keep booming the
street fair from the time that the date is fixed upon, and will see that
the field is thoroughly and constantly covered, so far as the
advertising is concerned. You will also need an executive committee.
This committee may include all the members of the above committees,
these being only sub-committees of the executive committee, or it may be
limited, as you think best. In some cities a regular street fair company
is incorporated under the laws of the state, with a president, board of
directors, etc. This is a very good plan. It gives an air of permanence
to the organization and makes all the transactions of the association
more business-like in character.
AMUSEMENTS.
Good attractions must be secured for the free entertainments. Do not
make the mistake of hiring cheap performers, as they will disgust your
people rather than entertain them. There are now a number of expert
conductors, or general managers of street fairs, who hire their services
to committees and advise the townsmen in all details. These men, having
had ample experience, are very useful to committees and often insure the
success of the fair. When there is no resident of your town available
who has a genius for carrying out such enterprises, the employment of an
expert director is advised. In this case it is better to secure your man
in the beginning, as he can then assist in organizing the entire
festival.
PROMINENT DETAILS.
R. J. McDonald, who is an authority on street fairs, gives the following
excellent advice as to details:
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR BOOTH.—_Boyer._
]
[Illustration:
STATE FAIR BOOTH.—_Anthter._
]
[Illustration:
STREET FAIR ARCH.
]
[Illustration:
GENERAL VIEW OF THE BELVILLE, ILL., STREET FAIR.
]
[Illustration:
GENERAL VIEW OF THE STAUNTON, VA., STREET FAIR.
]
The first step is to interest the city authorities, the manufacturing
dealers of all lines, and the citizens in general. Then, in order,
follow the securing of the necessary subscriptions, concessions from all
lines of transportation and many other sources, advertising, newspaper
work, billing the country for at least 200 miles in all directions,
daily souvenir programme, the formation of the different committees,
arranging street parades daily, securing the use of vacant grounds for
the erection of booths for the merchants and manufacturing displays, for
a Midway inclosure, space for lease to venders of all kinds. Then comes
the famous Midway, which, without doubt, will be the most attractive
feature of the street fair. Who can forget Chicago in 1893, and the
people of all nations? For this feature some large traveling street fair
combination should be secured—one which will have all the features which
go to make up a successful Midway.
You would also need tents for the press and visitors, one large tent for
dining hall—would advise that this be in charge of, and under the
management of some congregation—German and Irish villages, with the
native dance and the Irish piper to warm the hearts of their countrymen,
also two or three free exhibitions, which should be the best in America.
Now, to make the fair a success, the writer would advise making
concessions to some charitable institution or some good cause; then you
get the ladies, clergy and press with you, and if you can do this, it is
sure to be a grand success. The fair must be advertised largely, like a
circus, special rates on all lines of transportation. Every day must be
a special day. A different parade, finishing at the entrance to the
fair, should be held every afternoon—never in the morning. There should
be a military day for the entertainment of the soldiers of the civil
war, both union and confederate, the soldiers of the Spanish-Philippine
war, also a school children’s day. This being campaign year, would
advise a democratic and republican day, and invite some of the most
prominent speakers of the country, candidates for office, etc. I would
also advise a public marriage on one of the days, and each afternoon or
evening a genuine old-fashioned cake walk, combined with fireworks and
an abundance of good music. A floral parade, properly handled, with a
popular lady citizen as queen, would be the strongest feature of the
week, and would draw thousands of strangers to any city. This part of
the entertainment will require some one with experience to handle, if it
is to be a success.
FLOATS.
During street fairs, as well as the ordinary country fairs, industrial
parades are frequent, and often the decorator is puzzled how to
construct an effective float.
We show several pictures of floats in the late Milwaukee industrial
parade. The booth was built upon a large wagon truck and had a latticed
roof. The lower sides of the booth hung over the wheels and were
elaborately pleated and puffed. Fancy groceries were shown in the float,
and maidens, dressed to represent the southern climes from whence the
goods came, were seated on each of the sides.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
[Illustration:
PARADE FLOAT—“THE SEASONS.”—_Goldsman._
]
Eight horses, caparisoned in white, with large plumes on their heads,
were attached to the float, and each horse was led by a groom in fancy
dress. This float was one of the most successful in the parade.
One of the most novel floats ever constructed was that of Mr. Mahana,
shown herewith. It was shaped like a large slipper, and completely
covered the wagon truck on which it was placed. Silver foil covered the
entire surface, and around the edge, or sole, was an ornamental border
in white and gold. Underneath the big umbrella sat a bevy of pretty
girls.
[Illustration]
In our first picture is shown a clothing float, the star and crescent
being adopted as the design. Although somewhat crudely carried out, the
idea is a good one. While only one coat was shown on each side of the
star, the float attracted much attention.
The Mercantile Co.’s float, was part of a floral parade. Float and
horses were decorated in pure white, and five young girls, seated under
the canopy, wore flowing white draperies. The relief to this was given
by the mass of greenery in the interior of the float, and by the signs,
which were lettered in emerald green.
THE SEASONS.
This float showed on the four sides the allegorical presentations of
Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
“No. 1.—Spring.—Front Section of Float.—Arbor and arch trimmed with
artificial marguerites and morning glories, intertwined with foliage.
Glass prisms hang suspended to represent dew drops.
“‘Spring,’ draped in pure white gauze; wings at shoulders. Butterflies
and aigrette in the hair. She is represented seated on a large mushroom
(made of a 24-inch chopping bowl). Before her are seated four large
rabbits on their hind legs. On the spreading limb of the tree that
fronts her are perched two big crows, a blue jay, an oriole and two
small birds, all posed in the act of singing (beaks high and open).
Spring is clasping in one hand a baton and in the other a piece of
music. She is giving the birds and rabbits their first spring lesson.
This section was called ‘An Ode to Spring.’
“No. 2.—Summer.—Right Side Section of float.—‘Summer,’ draped in light
blue cheesecloth and silver tinsel. On head a wreath of pink and white
roses, and on one shoulder butterflies, on the other roses. In her left
hand she carries basket of roses. Arbor and archway are trimmed entirely
with pink and white roses, three gross being used (artificial). Plums
and peaches hang pendent from the top. At her feet (on the right)
crouches a large white swan. At each corner of this section are two full
size cranes, three feet high.
“No. 3.—Autumn.—Left Side of Float, Ceres (Wheat).—‘Autumn’ is
represented by a brunette draped in corn-colored cheesecloth. Her long
wreath is of corn flowers, poppies and wheat. On her head a wreath of
poppies and wheat. In her right hand she carries a sickle. Under her
left arm she carries a loosely bound sheaf of wheat. Arbor and archway
trimmed with poppies and wheat. A dozen bunches of artificial, full size
grapes hang from top of the arbor. In the growing wheat, at each side of
this section, are two quail and two hares.
[Illustration:
PARADE FLOAT—“CLEOPATRA’S BARGE.”—_Lorch._
]
“No. 4.—Winter.—Rear of Float.—Represented by a young lady draped in
dark green. In one hand she carries a bow, in her belt she has an arrow.
Her wreath for the hair is of holly berries and ivy. Her bower and arch
are trimmed with ivy and dahlias. Her corsage wreath is of dahlias. At
her left crouches a Texan puma, life size; at her right stands a full
sized deer.
CLEOPATRA’S BARGE.
The combination was green and pink. The figurehead was relief papier
mache work done in gold on bronze green ground. The large leaf (sail) is
also papier mache work. Close scrutiny is necessary to see the best
work.
PATRIOTIC FLOAT.
The framework is light, but substantial, the canopy being supported by
iron bars on which sleeve puffing is used. These bars are turned at top
and bottom, flattened, and furnished with screw holes. The umbrella
holders at the corners are made in the same way, four handsome girls
standing beneath the umbrellas. Quite a few goods were shown in the
spaces, and the entire effect was excellent.
[Illustration:
PATRIOTIC FLOAT.—_Olson._
]
ORIGINAL STREET FAIR BOOTH WITH REVOLVING ILLUMINATED BALL.
It has always been my theory—and I have yet to hear it successfully
disputed—that it is better to have an attractive advertisement costing
$1 than a poor one costing twenty-five cents; and on this hypothesis the
above booth will be described. The street fair is one of the best
chances for advertising you will ever get. Your audience is not going to
be the same that critically and leisurely inspected your show windows
and the goods and taste displayed therein the week before. It is going
to be a rushing, pushing, good natured and sight seeing crowd. It will
not be one that will be critically inclined, nor have time for minute
details. Knowing this to be a fact, it is “up to you” to get in your
advertising and do it with a booth that will arrest the eye, whether in
a hurry or not. Here is where you can use all the loud, flashy and
contrasting colors you want.
[Illustration:
BICYCLE PARADE FLOAT.—_Softley._
]
[Illustration: Fig. 1. Fig. 2.]
First you must see if your electric light company has the “strings” of
lights (see Fig. 1), shown running from the center to corners, on hand.
There are companies who keep these on hand, with weatherproof sockets,
to be rented out for just such purposes. The lights shown around the
edges can be put in by any electrician at a small cost on one circuit.
Both these and the “strings” are supposed to burn steadily, and not
connected to the flasher. The carpenter contractor will undoubtedly put
in an appearance in due time. These contractors usually put up the
booths for a stipulated price, rent you the lumber and remove it when
the fair is over.
Next is the ball frame (see Fig. 2). This is intended to be six feet in
diameter, made of strips of wood or moulding ¼ × 3 inches, soaked in hot
water and bent to form. The 3-inch width is to give you a base for the
lamp sockets. Between the six ribs shown run hogshead hoops to give
fullness between the ribs shown. The frame can be covered with two
contrasting colors in six equal sized pieces for daylight effect, and
the colored lights will take care of this part in the evening. The shaft
should be of 1-inch gas pipe. Having had a platform built inside the
booth flush with the gables, it will be a length equal from the floor of
the platform to the peak of the roof, plus the height of the ball and
six inches for clearance. Have the bottom drawn to a point or filled
with a pointed plug shown at C (Fig. 2), and provide a socket bearing.
This bearing is intended to support the entire ball and not offer undue
friction to its rotation. It will also be necessary to provide an extra
shield near the bottom to prevent a heavy wind forcing it out of the
socket sideways. At a point just under the peak of the roof, which is
also the upper bearing for the shaft, drill two ½-inch holes. Drill two
holes also at a point between the roof outside and the bottom of the
ball, shown at A. The contact rings and brushes at B are fully described
in detail in the March issue of The Show Window. These will be made the
same, only larger. Equip the shaft with a 5-inch grooved pulley belt
direct to the countershaft of your flasher, and it will run about thirty
revolutions per minute.
[Illustration:
PARADE FLOAT.—_Bittman._
]
[Illustration:
PARADE FLOATS.—_Brown._
]
[Illustration: Fig. 3.]
The shield shown in Fig. 3 is made of tin or painted pasteboard, and
will be found absolutely necessary to keep rain out of all sockets
pointing outward from a point above the center of the ball. If water was
to get in between the socket and lamp base, plugs will be blown faster
than you can put them in.
[Illustration: Fig. 4. Fig. 5.]
The wiring is shown in Fig. 4. There are three circuits, each of
different color, divided into two parts, each half on opposite sides of
ball. One side of each row of lights will be coupled to a common main,
which will go inside the shaft at the upper hole and out again at the
lower; thence to the bottom ring, which is connected to the main direct.
Circuit No. 1, red, goes from the first brush on the flasher to top ring
and brush on the shaft and thence to the remaining sides of the two red
rows. Circuit No. 2, white, goes from No. 2 on flasher to No. 2 brush
and ring, thence connects to remaining sides of the two white rows.
Circuit No. 3, green, goes from No. 3 on flasher to No. 3 ring and
brush, thence to the remaining sides of the two green rows. The other
main goes to the leg of flasher direct. Run one wire from each main for
the motor.
Set your flasher lugs as shown in Fig. 5, and the various color changes
will take place, as shown at the side of diagram in the order given.
After you are through with your wiring, you will probably find your
hands not in condition to hold the dainty hand of Angelina, and which
soap fails to remove. Don’t get scared. This will probably be a
combination of muriatic acid, asphaltum and rubber. They can be cleaned
as follows: Wash first in water, without soap, to remove the acid. Next
loosen the asphaltum with any kind of oil or grease. Lastly, wash them
with soap, water and sawdust, and you will be surprised to see how
easily it is done when you know how.
[Illustration:
DECORATED HOSE CART.—_Kayser._
]
[Illustration:
PARADE FLOAT.—_Designer Unknown._
]
[Illustration:
ST. VALENTINE’S DISPLAY.—_Baker._
]
[Illustration:
ST. VALENTINE’S DISPLAY.—_Herr._
]