Benefit At City Park Race Track to Open To-day
Submitted By: 	Larie Tedesco
Source:	Times Picayune September 19, 1908

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Benefit At City Park Race Track to Open To-day

Horse Races, Games and a Varied Programme Will Provide Ample Amusement

    At last night's meeting of the Italian Hall Committee having in charge the
arrangements for the big festival to be given to-day and to-morrow at the City
Park Race Track for the benefit of the fund being raised for the erection of
an Italian hall, the various committees reported that everything was in
readiness for the big event.   The Committee on Races reported having secured
a large number of entries, the winners of each to receive a handsome prize.

    The formal opening of the festival will be in the French Union Hall at 1
o'clock this afternoon, then the presidents and delegates from each of the
societies forming part of the Hall Committee will assemble.   From there the
line of march will lead to Baronne and Common Streets, where the Italian
Consul will take his seat in one of the carriages.   The next stop will be in
front of the City Hall and after a brief ceremony Acting Mayor McRacken will
join the party.   The Italians will salute the different newspapers, and then
go to Elks' Place, where a   salute of twenty-one guns will be fired.   The
next stop will be at the City Park Race Track.

    From the reports received last night it could be seen that the people in
the Italian colony, as well as all over the city, were taking a deep interest
in the festival, which will mark the celebration of the Italians' Independence
Day.   This means that many thousands will attend the two-day festival.   Many
tickets have been sold, and there is a yet a great demand for the admit cards.

    It was shown last night that a large number of ladies intended taking part
in the contest for the most popular lady at the rae course.   The contest will
not come to a close until the end of the festival, and the four winners will
be announced at the earliest practical time.

    The outdoor sports arranged for this afternoon will be carried out to the
letter.   This also applies to the programme for to-morrow afternoon when so
many little children will amuse the grown folks.   All little ones attending
the Sunday festival will be elligible to take part.   No restriction will be
made.   Many prizes will be awarded.

    The programme for both days shows that the grand ball will begin at 6
o'clock in the evening.   This will be an especially attractive feature.
Moving picture shows will also be given.

    Should the weather conditions be favorable this morning Canal Street from
Camp to Rampart Street, will be gayly decorated in honor of the celebration.