HISTORY OF ORANGE tents were used in various parts of the grounds to house the exhibits of live stock and poultry, as well as the concessions for food and soft drinks.
A varied program continued throughout the day. In the morning the weight-pulling contest for oxen was a keenly-contested event. The great event of the day was the Grand Parade, starting at 2 p.m. First came the band, then the long strings of live stock, followed by the decorated floats, carriages, or automobiles. There was always much friendly rivalry in arranging the exhibits to appear in the parade. For weeds previous to the opening day, nearly every barn in town held one or more vehicles that were being elaborately decorated with bunting, crepe paper, or other materials, with hundreds of paper flowers.
Following the parade, the great interest of the crowds was centered on the horse racing events. Usually there was a balloon ascension with a parachute drop to give an added thrill. The Fair lasted for three days and was an annual event every September for a number of years. It helped to spread the reputation of the town. The weather was such a deciding factor in the success or failure of the enterprise that all eyes watched the skies as the appointed day drew near.
After 1912 interest in the Fair began to wane, mainly because very inclement weather had interfered with the size of the attending crowd for one or two years, until the Agricultural Society found themselves facing a deficit in the treasury. Finally in 1916, another fair was held, only this time it was held down in the White City section of Savin Rock. This was successful enough to pay all their indebtedness, and after that year the Agricultural Society became only a memory.
LATER CHURCH ACTIVITIES
ORANGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The young people have always played an important part in the life of the church. Starting about 1880,
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