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.
PARADE FLOAT—“THE SEASONS.”—Goldsman.