According to announcement the preliminaries of the demonstration began at 4 o’clock in the morning by the firing of guns and the ringing of bells, and never was there more enthusiasm. At 8 o’clock the city was arrayed in gala patriotic attire, every business, house and dwelling making a display of some appropriate decoration. Many of the houses along Main Cross were elaborately and beautifully adorned. Flags—flags, innumerable, large and small, flapped and floated everywhere, and the enthusiasm of the populace indicated that the spirit of ’76 was indeed awakened and shed abroad in the hearts of the people.

The Procession formed and marched in the following order:

Carriages, minsters, speakers and historians; Gobest’s Cornet band, the German Support Society in regalia.  Following these was a large furniture car, decorated with flags and evergreens, containing one hundred little girls dressed in white, representing the years of the republic.

Then came the St. Peter Society and the St. Patrick Society, all in regalia and bearing banners and flags.  Following these came the St. Michael’s school, in a large car, drawn by four horses.  A cedar tree, festooned with flags and other ornaments, was implanted in the car, around and in the shade of which stood the little folks in white, producing a refreshing picture.  Then followed a small vehicle, highly decorated and drawn by a caparisoned and proud, highly-seasoned ruminant animal, keeping up with the procession in fine style.  Next came Wright’s Cornet Band, followed by the Fire Department of the city.  Walnut Street Hose Company led the Department, and deserve credit for the unanimity in which they turned out.  Among other decorations the Co.’s jocular “wooden shoe” was prominently displayed.

Western Fire Co. No 3 came next, with their glittering engine and apparatus tastefully decorated.  Their apparatus was drawn by horses furnished by Messrs. R. Johnson, McKim & Son, and Shrewsbury & Bro.

Then came the “Young Wirys,” numbering perhaps forty, one of them over twelve years old, drawing the cannon belonging to the Three’s.  Washington Co. No. 2 came next in order and made a very creditable display with their engine, engine apparatus and hook and ladder equipage, all decorated with flags and mottoes.  Mr. John Clements furnished the horses for the Company. Fair-Play Co. No 1 occupied the position of honor in the department’s display, and made a more attractive exhibition than either of the other companies.  The reel had been removed from the hose carriage and a platform placed upon it.  This platform was surmounted by a canopy decorated with the national colors, and beneath this canopy stood the “Goddess of Liberty,” dressed in the stars, stripes, with glittering crown and flowing tresses.  Miss Mary L. McIntire personated the Goddess.  The representation was good and admired by everyone.  In the rear and upon the same vehicle  Master Bert Alling sat in Continental costume, with becoming gravity and dignity.  The jocular title of the company was admirable represented in a caged “Lively Owl.”  After the Fire Department came the “big omnibus,” drawn by four horses and containing the members of the Choral Union, closely followed by the Concordia Society on foot.  These, with numerous vehicles and persons on foot not mentioned, composed the procession, which, if not the largest, was undoubtedly the most brilliant one ever formed in the city, for the entire line was a profuse medley of bright colors.  Its length may be judged of when we state that the head of the column entered the park gate some time before the rear had crossed the R. R. Bridge.

After entering the Ground the No. 4 Fire Company countermarched and repaired to Berach’s Grove, where they had arranged for holding a picnic.

The ministers, speakers and members of the Grand Chorus took seats upon the stand.

Col. John Marsh introduced Rev. E. Bradley, of Christ Church, who opened the exercises with a fervent and appropriate prayer, after which the Grand Chorus sang “Hail Columbia.”

Hon. John W. Linck being introduced, read the Declaration of Independence with a ringing voice and an emphasis that harmonized with the spirit of the sacred article and kindled a degree of enthusiasm in the multitude which was manifested by hearty applause at the conclusion.

Music by Wrights Band, Mr. John McGregor, the orator of the occasion, was introduced and delivered an oration which occupied half an hour and was listened to with marked attention.  The youthful appearance of the orator, his earnest manner of delivery, and the excellence of his language won the admiration of his hearers and a storm of applause.

Following the oration the Grand Chorus sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” in a manner that thrilled the throng to three rousing cheers for the old flag.

Hon. John R. Cravens, the Historian, was introduced, and read in his excellent style the History of Jefferson County, necessarily abridged, but concise, well connected and interesting.  Beginning with the cession of the territory to Thomas Jefferson, and the subsequent division into counties, the history recites the entry of the pioneers, vicissitudes of early settlers, their mode of life, warfare and pastimes; first election of officers and salaries paid them; establishment of courts, churches, schools and erection of public buildings; pioneer marriages, names of parties thereto; notes step by step the advancement of civilization and improvement of this part of the country, and is withal rich in reminiscences and humorous anecdotes.

The history being already abbreviated precludes the possibility of a synopsis.   It would make quite a readable pamphlet of perhaps fifty pages, and should be preserved in that shape.  When the Historian had finished reading, the Grand Chorus sang, “A Hundred Years, My Own Columbia.”  At this juncture the rain-storm came on and interrupted the proceedings.  The people found shelter in the amphitheater and Park mansion.  The programme, however, had been filled, with the exception of an address by Judge J. Y. Allison, and the reading of the History of the Madison Fire Department.—Even with the interruption by rain the celebration was a success, but with fair weather would have called together a greater concourse of people on the Park Grounds than has assembled there for years.
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The picnic of the No. 4 fire Co. at Berch’s grove was well attended, and those present had a jolly time.

The Kettle Drummers picnicked at Fearn’s farm up the river and the occasion was one of much enjoyment.

The picnic on the old North Madison Fair Grounds was attended by a very small number from this city.

The family of Mr. Wm. Stepp gave a social picnic on the green award in front of the residence, which was attended by a large number of friends. In addition to other decorations, a large bell was suspended under the grand old Henry Clay elm tree, which rang out with a ’76 ring as the procession passed. Those in attendance were regaled with a centennial dinner by the genial and patriotic projectors of the picnic.

The picnic of the First Presbyterian Church on the old camp meeting ground was a pleasant affair until interrupted by the rain.