Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 June 1907 — BIG FIRE SHOW [ARTICLE]

BIG FIRE SHOW

To Be a Feature of Celebration Here. “tURHHK) OF ALRAMBRmREATRE” Is the Name Fire Chief nontgomery Has Given the Show.—Bands and Other Attractions Hired.

There was a general ronnd-up of the 4th of July committees Thursday evening at which reports were received from each. The reports in brief showed that contracts had been closed with Deßaugh’s famous Twentieth Century Band of Chicago as the chief musical attraction of the day, at a cost of $l6O. This band is said to be a crackerjack and enjoys a great reputation. It alone should draw many people from a distance who enjoy fine musio. The band will be in on the 4:45 a. m., train the morning of the 4th and play all day, giving a concert in the evening. It is also expected to secure the St. Joseph’s College band, an excellent local musical organization.

Rev. Father George Heldman of St. Joseph’s College will deliver the address. “Father George,” as he is generally called, is an eloquent speaker and the committe is fortunate in securing him. Three companies of Chicago vaudeville artists' have also been contracted for, to give entertaintainments daring the day and evening on specially constructed stages in the street. A trick bicycle rider has likewise been contracted with and there will be numerous smaller attractions snch as foot racers, etc., etc,, for various prizes. The industrial parade last year was excellent and drew forth much favorable comment from the thousands of visitors Here. It is expected to surpass the effort of last year in the number and deoorations of the floats in this year’s parade, and everyone should make it a point to bfe in town in time to see this attraction, which will start at 10 a. m,

Instead of the regular fireworks display that usually goes with 4th of July celebrations, Fire Chief Jack Montgomery has arranged to give a fire show, similar to the fire shows given at the Chicago “White City," and this feature alone will be worth driving a long distance to see. A large be built on the corner sodth of the Makeever House which will be covered with boards and tarred paper, and the “explosion and fire” will take place inside this building. Jack has called this attraction “The Earning of the Alhambra Theatre,” and fifty people will take part in this show, which will be under the supervision of the fire oompany. Bombs, colored fire, rockets, etc., will be ased in this feature, which promises to be one of the best things on the program. A fine vaudeville program will be given by the fire oompany in front of the “theatre” before the “explosion,” lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Orlan Grant has charge of the vaudeville acts, whioh is a sufficient guarantee that they will be au right. The fire company will also give a “water fight” and fire run daring the day. A baseball game for a SSO parse will be played in t&e afternoon at the ball park, but we are unable to state at this time what teams will play, the committee not having yet dosed contract, although in correspondence with several teams that want to come here. The ball game and all other attractions will be absolutely free; “Rensselaer is paying the freight” and you are cordially invited to come and enjoy yourself at the expense of her patriotic business men who have contributed the necessary funds to give tnis celebration. * Both large and small bills are now in press and will be scattered alljover this section of the state in a few days, while a complete program will be published later giving time of each event.