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Three County Fair Official Expects To Be Fined Over Mask Compliance

Masked fairgoers walk past unmasked participants inside an animal exhibition barn at the Three County Fair in Northampton, Massachusetts, on September 6, 2021.
Alden Bourne
/
NEPM
Masked fairgoers walk past unmasked participants inside an animal exhibition barn at the Three County Fair in Northampton, Massachusetts, on September 6, 2021.

The head of the Three County Fair in Northampton, Massachusetts, said he expects the organization to be fined by the city health department because some visitors did not follow mask rules.

In late August, the Northampton Board of Health issued a new mask mandate. They have to be worn in indoor spaces the public is invited to enter. That includes restaurants, gyms and the animal exhibition buildings at the Three County Fair.

But in one of the cow barns on Labor Day, most people were maskless, including Bill Nugent of Chesterfield. Nugent explained that "he's usually away from people," though he agreed the mask rules make sense.  

James Pryzpek, the general manager of the fair, said the organization is doing what it can.

"We're making announcements," he said. "We're concerned if people aren't doing what they're supposed to do. It is our responsibility. But if the people aren't going to do it, unfortunately, what can we do?"

Other fairgoers chose to exceed the city's restrictions.

Cecilia Shiner and Adam Scarborough of Northampton were outside at the fair with their two young children, who aren't eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. All four were wearing masks.

Eight-year-old Penelope explained, "There's a lot of people here so we just wear masks to be safe."

Pryzpek said he's aware the fine could be up to $1,000 per day.

He previously warned Northampton health officials that new mask rules could severely impact business. On Monday, though, he said attendance for this year's event had been close to the numbers for 2019.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 fair was off-limits to the public, with only livestock and crafts exhibitors allowed to enter.

Before joining New England Public Media, Alden was a producer for the CBS NEWS program 60 Minutes. In that role, he covered topics ranging from art, music and medicine to business, education and politics.
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