In 1937, the Millersburg Farmers’ Fair was held for the second year in a row, and was advertised as the second largest street fair in Pennsylvania. A list of entertainers was provided to the Lykens Standard and was published in its September 17, 1937 edition. One of those performing was Bob Girad, who was a black-face comedian. It is not know from the article whether any other entertainers performed in black-face.
The article does contain a fairly good description of the fair.
FARMERS’ FAIR OPENED LAST NIGHT IN MILLERSBURG
The second annual Millersburg Farmers’ Fair got under way last evening and will continue this evening and all day Saturday.
The free entertainment scheduled for the fair, which will be held on Market Street, Millersburg, and is Pennsylvania’s second largest street fair, includes the following acts: The Aerial Leons, master marvels of the mid-air; Frederick & Collins, Southern musical boys; Lorette, comedy European juggler; the Aerway Duo, sensation on wheels; Chick Peters, the dancing fool; Lillian Fox, the xylophone wizard; Bob Girad, black-face comedian; Jene Straub, the banjo woman; Tom Rowe, comedian; and Ho-Ho and Jo-Jo, musical clowns direct from the Steel Pier, Atlantic City. As a special attraction for the kiddies, Elwood & Elwood will present a Punch and Judy show Saturday afternoon. The program will be entirely different each evening of the fair.
The fanciers’ poultry and pigeon show, which be held in connection with the fair, will be large and better than the one held last year. The entries will include exhibits from all parts of Pennsylvania and a number from neighboring states.
There will be hobby exhibits in various store windows on Market Street and a flower show will be held Friday and Saturday only.
Farmers, gardeners, fruit growers and housewives will compete for the $500 being offered as premiums for the best displays of vegetable, gain, canned and baked goods, fancy work, home arts, etc.
The midway will be lined with educational exhibits, concession, novelty and refreshment booths, as well as displays of machinery and merchandise of all types. A ferris wheel and merry-go-round will also be on the mid-way.
There will be no admission charge to the fair or to any of the shows held in connection with the fair.
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For other articles on this blog, see Black-Face.
News related was obtained from Newspapers.com.
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