The Ottawa Journal - September 18, 1919.

     It is quite safe to say that never in the history of the Exhibition has there been a finer display of exhibits. This is specially so in regard to agriculture, horses, cattle, and, in fact, in nearly every line. As regards to the Pure Food Show, it is by far the finest yet attempted.

     One feature that struck the visitor to the exhibition today was the fact that the greater part of the exhibits were all in place, which was quite a contrast to some years, when many exhibitors still unplaced on the opening day. Then, a lot of improvements have been made to the roads and drainage system which resulted in the grounds drying up very quickly after the shower this morning.
     The official opening and directors' luncheon took place at one pm and was presided over by President Joseph Kent, and the guests of honour were Hon. Dr. Tolnile, Minister of Agriculture, who declared the Exhibition officially open, and Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King and Mayor Harold Fisher. Sir Robert Borden was to have opened the fair, but was unable to attend owing to illness.
     All the officials are optimistic despite the spell of bad weather, and with the buildings full of fine exhibits, visitors can be assured of plenty to see even if it does rain. The acts are all here for the big show in front of the grand stand, and a full performance will be presented this evening.

     President Kent, when seen by The Journal, stated that he was greatly pleased by the shape of everything was in at the grounds, and said that he had never viewed a finer display of exhibits in the various departments. He felt satisfied that with good weather the Exhibition would establish a new record for attendance. The entries were far ahead of any previous year.
     Sir James Grant was one of the earliest visitors to the Exhibition and expressed the opinion that this year's show was one of the finest yet held by the association. Sir James recalled the Agricultural show held in Ottawa over 60 years ago, which was the beginning of the present, splendid Exhibition. The show at that time consisted of a display of grain, fruit and vegetables in one large room in a small building.

     Strolling through the midway at the big Exhibition, you can get at least a hundred thrills from the mammoth posters that flaunt forth the glories of the people, animals, reptiles and freaks shown inside. On one platform one meets up with a real, genuine princess fondling some snake? Here again is the headhunter from Borneo. The fat lady and the fat man can be found also. Inside the tents the thrills obtainable are undauntable.
     The Midway this year is the finest and largest it has ever been, and it can truly be said that there is something doing down its long length all the time.
     The excitement along the Midway opened up early. When the thousands of youngsters started to do thing up, the wide awake showmen saw their first audiences, and the old time "barkers" got busy.
     First to start was the "whip." In this dashing, twisting, jerking appliance, children were being spun around before 10 o'clock with their faces indicating that mixture of fun and fear that pleases the young. The huge ferris wheel was quickly in commission, and from then on till the cruel rain took charge a pleasant time was had outside.

     The rain didn't spoil the fun altogether, because many of the children seemed to have plenty of money for the sideshows, which were all getting started before noon.
     Probably all the tin banks in town got a great going over this morning, and many a china-pig bank will be lying shattered and robbed in some hidden spot today.
     The dog and pony shows, the wild west riders and some of the larger shows were not operating this morning, but the Prince of the Congo, who walks on spikes and plays with man-eating alligators was awake and in costume early. He made an appearance on the stage in front of the tent he homes in this week with his pets, and soon his tent was crowded and a show going on. In a few minutes 20 or 30 more shows were open.