An online survey to determine the public’s views on whether or not the Gasconade County Fair Board should host its annual event as normal received 2,545 responses of which 1,857 said the fair should go on.

The fair board announced previously that they would be voting on Thursday to either continue the fair, shorten the event, or cancel it entirely. In response to their indecision, The Gasconade County Republican asked the public to take an anonymous survey that was opened on June 11 and closed at noon on Monday, June 15.

The Republican asked four questions and left the participants the option to leave a comment. The most notable question, should the fair go on, met with 73 percent responding that it should, 7.5 percent (190 votes) that it should be a partial fair and 19.6 percent (498 votes) that it shouldn’t be held at all.

Of those who responded, 704 left a comment.

Many who were for having the event commented that it should be left up to the individual.

“Just open it up! The WHO came out this week stating they were wrong, that the virus isn’t spread asymptomatically through the air so what is the fear? People can wash their hands and if they’re that worried they can stay home. This is America and we should have the freedom to go to the fair if we wish!”

Many were also against wearing masks, but for social distancing. Some suggested leaving out the rides or only allowing in-county residents to attend.

“I understand the concern but I hope y’all have the fair. You’ll have sell-out crowds and the tractor pull will be huge.”

Others felt it is needed in order to “get back to normal” and “if protests can happen, so can the fair.”

One person against having the fair at all said, “these are trying times, but Gasconade County has been very fortunate so far regarding the number of cases of COVID-19. In the past two weeks, 20 states have shown marked increases in the numbers of both infections and hospitalizations. Texas set a record just yesterday for the number of infections in one day. Now is not the time to take risks. If we exercise prudence now, more of us will be alive in the years to come to celebrate at our great hometown fair. Please do the right thing, and don’t succumb to economic pressure. Human lives are worth more than that.”

Others thought the fair should only go on for the livestock events and shows that the county kids have spent months raising.

Some respondents simply didn’t care, or so they said.

“I could care less if you had the fair or not, I just feel like if you did have it, it would not look good on your part since all the other fairs have canceled. It wouldn’t (sic) seem like you were not looking out for the well-being of your patrons!”

Some opinions expressed said that those who go are “naive” or “irresponsible” while others felt there may not be enough volunteers to work it.

The Republican received 2,545 responses to the survey conducted on its Facebook page.

Responses to the questions included where they reside:

• 54.9 percent said they reside in the county.

• 38 percent said they live in a neighboring county (Maries, Franklin, Osage, Phelps, Crawford and Montgomery).

• Seven percent said other.

How often do you attend the

Gasconade County Fair?

• 78 percent (1,981) said always.

• 19.8 percent (503) said sometimes.

• 2.2 percent (56) said never.

If the fair is held, how likely are you to come this year?

64.1 percent (1,629) for sure.

14 percent (357) likely.

8.4 percent (213) not likely.

13.5 percent (342) definitely not.