The Nome Daily Nugget

FAIRS--AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO NOME

The successful termination of the Third Annual
Fair of the Northwestern-Alaska Fair Association, at
Nome, Saturday, brings to mind that a world of civic
pride and achievement in community progress, has resulted
from the four days of the present Fair just concluded.

The examples of art, industry, hobbies, home economics,
and household features surprised the many who
attended the three days of the sessions. The quality
of the work and also the uniqueness of many exhibits
brought praise from all quarters
for originality and
proficiency, as Nomeites, showing their interest in the
first Fair held here since 1931, proved beyond all doubt
that a Fair such as this, given every winter in Nome
will do much to cement efforts toward progress and development
of this section, in addition to bringing forth
the examples of craftsmanship, industry and resources
of a district which has long been recognized primarily
for its large output of gold.

There are other industries in the Second Division
many which have hardly been scratched for their possibilities,
and hosts of exhibits at the Fair last week,
brought clearly to mind, that opportunities in such lines
as furs, scientific prospecting for minerals, ivory and
native craft, fish, are daily being passed up.

Fairs, have, since their inception, been the forerunners
of development of industry and resources in nearly
every clime. And the same basis of progress proves
true here.

To the school children who participated in the
Fair by their numerous exhibits, should go the overwhelming
approval and encouragement of all. The local
territorial school and the Bureau of Indian Affairs
School were especially well represented by exhibits of
all kinds. The Pilgrim Springs Mission had a distinctive
booth at the Fair which, beyond all doubt brought
to public light the fact that these children are some
of the finest artisans and skilled workers in their line,
as judged by the beauty of their excellent exhibits.

And so, with the completion of this Winter Fair,
officials of the Association turn their heads toward the
staging of a special Summer Fair during the time when
Arctic Cruise steamers with several hundred tourists
aboard come to Nome enroute for a visit to East Cape,
Siberia, and ports in northern Alaska.

On to the Summer Fair--Let's get behind this and
put it across with as much enthusiasm and industry
as was exemplified by the Third Annual Fair.