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Chairman, Mr. A. M. H. Gardiner; vice-chairman, Mr. T.
Rowe: committee, Captain Dandy, Mr. S. Green, Mr. J. Jackson, Mr. T. Rawlinson, Mr.
J. M. Gillett. The judges were Mr. J.Peet and Mr. T. Hankinson, and the starter,
Mr. H. Nottingham.
 Although the programme consisted of
but twelve events it must have been extremely gratifying to the promoters to
have such a response. All the events attracted a good number of competitors,
no less than seventeen entering for the swimming race.
By two o'clock, the time for starting, great crowds assembled
and seated themselves on the grassy embankment surrounding the lake, the bright
dresses and gay colours of the ladies' parasols making a scene not easily
forgotten.
The programme opened by a sailing race for private boats, for a
beautiful silver cup presented, by Mrs. L. Brown. Although six boats entered for
the race only three put in appearance at the starting place. The first prize was
won by "Annie," sailed by Mr. H. Crowe, "Little Marie," sailed by Mr. G.Rycroft,
being second, and "Water Lily," sailed by Mr; S. Green, third.
The swimming race followed, and seventeen competitors took their
place on the diving stage. The distance swam was 240 yards across the lake. The
first prize went to Mr. J. M. Gillett (10 secs.), the second to Mr. W. Wilson (10
sees.), and the third to Mr. G. Miller. The fine stroke of Mr. Gillett was very
much admired. After this race, the members of the Lytham Swimming Club made up two
teams for a polo match which was enjoyed by the onlookers.
 The pair-oared sculling race was
rowed in three heats. The winners of the heats were J. Rainford, G. V.
Rycroft, and N. Johnson. In the final, N. Johnson (St. Anne's) came out first,
J. Rainford second, and G. V. Rycroft third.
Three entries had 'been sent in for the ladies sculling race,
but for some reason or other none of the fair competitors faced the starter, and so
the race was declared off.
The rowing obstacle race created a good deal of excitement, and there was much
merriment at the way the competitors carried out their parts. The first prize went
to Mr. T. Clarkson, the second to Mr. J. Rainford and the third to Mr. N.
Johnson.
The tub race came next, and the large crowd simply roared at the
amusing spectacle of the men trying to keep their frail tubs righted. - The least
“wabbling" being resented by the tubs which filled on the slightest provocation and
precipitated their occupants in the water. However, by a process of sailing,
walking, and swimming the race was completed, and the first prize went to G.
Miller, the second to S. Myerscough, and the third to Thomas Newsome.
The water events were varied by a sack race, which was won by J.
H. Rycroft, H. Gillett and U.. Crowe being second and third respectively.
 The tenth event consisted of a walk on
a greasy pole over the water, and this was perhaps the funniest sport of the
day, as one after the other tried their luck, only to reluctantly tumble head
over heels into the water below. One of the competitors elected to try his
luck dressed in trousers and shirt, and his immersion caused roars of
laughter. Nothing daunted, however, he continued the experiment until some wag
suggested he was saving his washing bill. Eventually the hardly-contested
prize was carried off by S. Myerscough, the second by G. Miller, M. Wignall
and R. Clarkson winning the third and fourth prizes.
 During the afternoon and evening the
Misses Daisy, Gladys and Stella Gardiner presided over a balloon competition.
The entrance fee was 1s., which entitled the owner to a toy balloon inflated
with hydrogen gas, and to each was attached a postcard asking the finder to
post the card to Fairhaven. Immediately the balloons were released they
floated away in the heavens, and as there was a nice breeze blowing they were
soon lost against the background of beautiful pale blue clouds. The owner of
the balloon that travels to the most distant place will be declared the
winner.
In the evening an immense crowd gathered to witness the lantern
carnival. The night was an ideal one. The moon shed its pale radiance over the
lake, and the breeze was warm and balmy. Prizes were offered for the best decorated
boats, and although only three boats entered the competition, the sight as they
glided over the still water, illuminated by Japanese lanterns with limelights
flaring at intervals, was pretty in the extreme, not the least effective being the
reflection of the multi-coloured lights from the lamps in the water. During this
exhibition an old wreck was blazing away in the middle of the lake, giving a weird
effect to the surroundings.
Mr. Gardiner varied the exhibition by firing rockets front his
boat. The crowd was not slow to appreciate the labour that had been bestowed upon
the boats by the three competitors, and as they came close to the landing stage for
inspection, all three boats were heartily applauded. Finally, the first prize was
awarded to Mr. Gardiner, the second to Miss Shaw, and the third to Mr. Crowe.
During the afternoon and evening the proceedings were enlivened by the music of the
Lytham Volunteer Band.
The sports, which had gone like clockwork from two o'clock in
the afternoon were brought to a close just after half-past nine by the band
striking up what they euphemistically call "The King." The evening was so bright,
however, and the sports had been so thoroughly enjoyed that it was some time after
ten o’clock - before the surroundings assumed their normal appearance.
Admission to the ground was fee, but a collection was taken,
which realised upwards of £5. We understand that a portion of the proceeds are to
be devoted to the children's camp.
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