CONTRARY to expectations, the Midwinter Fair was not ready for opening January 1. There were two special hindrances to the calculations of the managers: First, a week or two of rainy weather deterred progress in building somewhat; and, secondly, the vast mountains of snow piled between here and Chicago prevented the transportation of many of the exhibits which were shown at the World's Fair. Hundreds of car loads were delayed by the weather. Fortunately, but very few of them were injured by the fire which swept through the great "White City" at Chicago. For this reason the formal opening ceremonies of the Exposition did not take place on January 1. However, an informal opening did take place on that day—one of the lovely winter days for which California is noted. While it was understood that the grounds were not ready, and but few of the exhibits in place, there were about ten thousand who paid for admission to the grounds. Instead of the regular charge of fifty cents, but twenty-five cents was asked, and that will be the price of admission till the formal opening.
Among the special features of the Exposition which were ready on New Year's day was the great sea-lion exhibit of Santa Barbara, the wild animal show of Boone, the ostrich farm of Southern California, the Colorado gold mine, the Heidelberg Castle, the scenic railway, and many others. The scenic railway did a remarkable business.
The official and formal opening of the Fair has now been definitely fixed. It will take place January 27. It is thought that everything will be in readiness by that time.
There has been no imitation of the World's Fair in the matter of buildings or color, so that the Midwinter Fair will never be known as the "White City." The most popular name just now seems to be the "Sunset City." The one who will have charge of the decorations as regards color is Mr. Charles Graham, well known in artistic circles of the East on account of his experience with the Harpers, as also with the Columbian Exposition. His idea in decoration has been to let delicate tints predominate; and this, in connection with the peculiar effects of California climate, will show marvelous beauty. There will also, as appropriate to the State, be used a great deal of gold in the scheme of color. The domes of the Administration Building will be heavily gilded, upon which the sunlight will do its part in producing pleasing effects.
Probably among the most beautiful things at the Midwinter Fair will be the Grand Central Court. With the electrical fountain at one end and the allegorical fountain at the other, science, art, and nature will be used to produce the most gorgeous effects. In this court will be the great electric tower; and here also will be seen some of the most beautiful flowers and foliage which California produces. Already there may be seen a large number of bamboo plants and date palms, tastefully arranged. Around this court are several hundred Venetian masts, which are to bear the flags of all nations by day and electric arc lights by night, while between them, during the day, the sun will shine upon long lines of parti-colored streamers. The darkness of each alternate night will be relieved by long lines of incandescent lights and fancy lanterns.
In the Fair will be displayed some of the finest exhibits ever made in the fruit line in California. Fine displays of oranges and lemons will be made in the month of February. Fresno is erecting a model of her court house, to be constructed of oranges and raisins.
MECHANICAL ARTS BUILDING, 324x160 FEET.
The managers have large expectations of visitors from the East. The Review of Reviews predicts that there are thousands of people all through the East who will take advantage of the Midwinter Exposition as an opportunity to visit California.
Altogether the arrangements and progress of the Fair have been very flattering up to the present time. The managers may congratulate themselves on the fact that so few accidents have happened, and that no loss of life or loss from fire has occurred. The Fair will reveal to the East something of the great treasures with which a kind Providence has endowed the Pacific Coast; and it will prove, we hope, to be a school in which many useful lessons may be learned. Of course there will also be the evils connected with all such expositions; but one of the evils which will not be connected with it, we are thankful to say, is that of religious legislation.
