DECIDING to have our fair unlike those which have preceded it, we must do away with monotony and introduce not only variety, but originality as well. New ideas, something different from that which has served us heretofore, is what we strive for. Novelties are always attractive, let them be decorative also, and help to make the room or hall as inviting as possible.
The Fair.
Fig. 336.—Framework for the Canopy of a Booth at a Fair.
Fig. 337.—Block of Wood Fastened on the side of Table.
The Tables
being the most important item, we will give them our first attention. Have each table or booth canopied in a style differing from all others, and make the canopy extend up as high as practicable, in order to avoid the flat, blank appearance so common in small fairs. If tables are arranged in this fashion, they will go far toward decorating the hall. Fig. 336 shows one style in which a framework for the roof or covering may be constructed. At the four corners of the table, where the top projects over the sides, fit in blocks of wood according to Fig. 337; the dotted lines represent the block. Nail the wood fast to the table, so that the uprights may stand perfectly straight. Use laths or similar sticks for the four uprights, and screw or nail them at the corners of the table according to Fig. 336; then with small screws fasten a stick across the top of the laths at each side, and at the top of the sticks on the front of the table tie the two ends of a barrel-hoop to form the arch; also attach another hoop at the back to the other two uprights, and connect the top centre of each by a wire running across. The hoops are fastened to the laths by binding the ends of the hoops to the ends of the laths with strong twine, or wire, wound around in notches which have previously been cut in the ends of both sticks and hoops. Should the barrel-hoops be too short for the arch, take children’s large-sized toy wooden hoops, and fasten them up in the same manner. Fig. 338 is another way to arrange the framework. The four upright sticks are attached to the table as described in Fig. 336; then in the top of each is driven a very large-sized tack, and a strong flexible wire is stretched from lath to lath and wound around each tack, thus connecting the four uprights together.[G] Flags, shawls, drapery curtains, sheets, and inexpensive cheese-cloth make good canopies; undressed cambric and canton flannel in desirable colors drape nicely, and can also be used for the purpose. Where you wish to produce light, airy effects, tarlatan, in one or more colors, will be found useful; again, let some of the tables have only a suggestion of a roof, made by ornamenting the framework with flowers, or whatever is most suitable, according to the style of table and the place it is to occupy.
Try and have a variety of shapes and sizes in the booths, and avoid sombre dulness and monotony. Let the room fairly sparkle and shine with light and color.