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the other guy had in the entire year and the Community Chest simply
distributed money to other groups!
In about 1935, the State Fair resumed and Dad again became
the State Fair Manager, which he clearly preferred. The State Fair in
those days was a big event. It ran for eight days – Saturday through the
following Saturday. Fruit and vegetable growers competed for awards.
Livestock growers competed for prizes. Manufacturers and distributors
of major equipment displayed their wares (there were several large can-
dy manufacturers in Utah). The primary intent of these exhibits was to
raise the standard of production by demonstration of results. A second-
ary objective though was for people to see, be educated and have fun.
These were carnival rides and shows, horse shows, circus acts and a
band. Every night in front of the grandstand there were acts followed by
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We Holmes kids attended the Fair several days and nights. Dad
always had passes for admission to the Fair, carnival rides and the eve-
ning performances in front of the grandstand for us kids and our friends.
I loved the horse shows, especially the events involving jumping. Dad
always had a personal box in the grandstand so we had great seats.
Each year Dad had President Grant as a guest at the Fair and he
showed him around to the exhibits personally. President Grant always
seemed to take delight in his visit. One day of the Fair was designated
Governor’s Day and the Governor attended and was given a tour. Fair
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was changed to mid-September in hopes of avoiding the rain and even
snow that sometimes occurred in the October dates.
Dad was a good manager. Before his time the State Fair always
lost money. Dad sold space on the fair entry catalog, rented space for the
vendors of food and drink and so on. Under Dad, the State Fair never
once lost money between 1925 and 1942, when he retired.
Dad attended most of the special celebrations held in the state of
Utah. There was Strawberry Day in Pleasant Grove in May, the Wasatch
County Fair in Heber, Black-and-White Days (Holstein colors) in Cache
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tions always welcomed Dad – he was a friend and quiet counselor to

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