Fairground events under scrutiny

POMEROY–Fireworks display for the fourth of July celebration and the fair in September were the two major topics discussed at the Garfield County Commissioner’s (BOCC) meeting June 15.

The Garfield County Fair Board (GCFB) has debated rather to limit entries for showing animals to Garfield County residents only and how to that may look for outside county annual participants. Justin Dixon, Chairman of the BOCC, remarked there are some local students, active in 4-H and FFA programs, who live outside of the county. These students were affirmed to participate in the past by the GCFB.

Included in their deliberations was limiting the number of family members allowed to attend to five. Some families have more than five in their immediate family group.

Also being pondered is prohibiting vendors and rodeo participants from out of the county. Unfortunately, most of the contestants are from out of the county. “Most of the rodeo participants are from outside the county,” said Vonnie Mulrony. “If we limit it to Garfield County residents only, we would not have much of a rodeo.”

Mulrony added that there are some local families who have several generations of members living outside of Garfield County now, but return every year for the fair and participate in the rodeo, as well as activities for the children. “It will be hard to determine who is included,” she said. “How do you draw the line?”

Dixon cautioned that the wording of these restrictions must be made very carefully, and more consideration should be given regarding them.

The Governor has a task force to decide how to proceed with county fairs all over the state. Decisions made by the task force should be released very soon. Dixon stated that we need this guidance so that the Fair Board can make the necessary decisions on how to proceed and start planning for the fair. His biggest concern is how these decisions affect the kids. “They have money invested in their animals, and they need something to happen.”

The Fair Board also wants to prohibit the use of the fairgrounds for fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. Dixon offered his opinion stating that the traditional displays should still be allowed. The County would not be a part of the function; however, they could make the facilities available, have sprinklers set up and the site watered prior to the start.

Commissioner Bob Johnson questioned how the event could be monitored for safety due to wind conditions, or too many people attending without enough social distancing measures. Dixon stated that he believed people would make the right decisions about wind conditions.

John Hirsch, Garfield Emergency Services Director, remarked that people usually sit apart in small family groups anyway, and that the state allows up to 50 people in Phase 3 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan. He added it is ultimately the decision of the County.

Dixon stated he thinks the County should vote to allow the fireworks at the fairgrounds. Commissioner Wynne McCabe agreed and added that traditions are important. No vote was made at this meeting.

Sheriff Drew Hyer reported that due to improving weather, and people venturing out more, there was an increase of 50 calls from April. Out of 75 total contacts with the public, 58 more verbal warnings were given, 16 more county citations were issued, and two more domestic violence arrests were made. However, criminal citations were down two from the previous month.

A Contract for Basic Service Operations for E911 services in Garfield County, for $580,838 for the period of July 1, 2020, through August 15, 2021, was approved and signed by the commissioners.

Dixon announced that there would be a County department head meeting later that day to plan for re-opening the County offices. Also, the BOCC will have open doors for the June 22, 2020, meeting. The option for attending by teleconference will continue as well. Only four members of the public will be allowed to attend the meeting in person at one time, and they would like to limit it to those who will have input to the meeting, rather than just observing.