This fair, which commenced on Monday, was the great centre of attraction for crowds of sightseers and pleasure seekers during the former part of the week, though the weather has certainly not afforded much encouragement to go in quest of outdoor amusement.
Among the exhibitions at the fair, Wombwell's famed menagerie has perhaps been the foremost in attractiveness. The show-booths have been of the usual varied character, and each has had its own peculiar merits vociferated forth in true showmanlike style. There was perhaps more than the average number of "heroes of the boards", and the glitter of their "gaudy patchwork" was sometimes sadly spoiled by a pelting shower, as they paced to and fro on the stage infront of the crowd.
The bazaars and stalls, containing trinkets, toys, cutlery, and sweetmeats were numerous, and many of them were furnished with gaming tables. Nearly thirty of the itinerant nut vendors were convicted yesterday at the Borough Court for having defective measures, apparently pints and half pints, many of them from a third to nearly half deficient, and having false sides, and some false bottoms!!
The Manchester Guardian: April 18th 1846 (7/4)
