Shelbina Democrat, Missouri, December 26, 1888

…to be chosen in public to be the wives of any two young men who may prove acceptable to them and their parents. 

…any young man who is serious and honest in his intentions to marry will be required to say publicly in a loud voice in the hall where the fair is held: “I am here.” To this the young lady who is nearest will promptly answer: “So am I.” The wooing is to take place in the sight of all spectators, and if an agreement to marry is arrived at, it is to be publicly signed, the witnesses thereto to be selected from the audience.