Mask use varies at fair

11-hundred were added within the past 2-weeks.

Thanks for joining us tonight -- i'm najahe sherman.

And i'm dan shaffer.

As the first night of "the big ol' ballpark fair" at toyota field comes to a close - concerns expressed by some community and health officials may be coming true.

They spoke earlier this week about fears that guests at the fair wouldn't wear masks and social distance to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Waay 31's will robinson-smith has been there all night and said a lot of people weren't wearing masks.

Will, tell us what you saw... and what did people say about the safety measures?

There are signs at the entrance to this fair and around the grounds reminding people to wear a mask -- like this one ive been wearing all night- but from observation and talking with some folks -- that was one guideline that didn't seem to get heavy enforcement.

Snagging a magnetic fish on a miniature pole was the first thrill thursday night for sam youngblood and her family.

Her mom, lauren, says this is the first real event that they've done since the pandemic began.

She says the safety precautions that kissell entertainment posted on the fair's event page made them feel comfortable about coming out.

Lauren youngblood, visiting fair i read them prior to coming about how everything is cleaned after every use, so that was encouraging.

Madison kissell of kissell entertainment says there are several "strict guidelines" in place around the fairground to enforce safety -- like plexiglass shields at food stands and ticket booths as well as signs throughout reminding guests about social distancing.

Madison kissell, office manager, kissell entertainment we sanitize the ride before and after each rider.

We sanitize all of the game equipment, the balls, the darts, etc., before and after each play.

Will robinson-smith in addition to the rides being sanitized before every ride begins, guests can also grab a sanitizing wipe, so when they get inside the ride, they can go ahead and strap themselves in, give it a good wipe down and then step on the gas!

Javonte holman says he and his family were also encouraged by all the steps kissell entertainment said it would do online -- like its mask mandate for staff and guests who are not eating or drinking fair food.

Javonte holman, visiting fair as long as you keep six feet and everybody's got their masks on it should be square.

Everybody should be good.

Nobody should get sick.

Madison kissell, office manager, kissell entertainment we do have kissell team members who walk around with backpack sprayers on, sanitizing major touchpoints: the handrails, some of the fencing.

And as they go around, they politely remind people to follow those guidelines.

However -- despite the assurances -- waay 31 saw several people throughout the midway either wearing their masks below their mouths or not at all.

Throughout the evening -- we spoke with several people who were not wearing masks and asked if any of the fair staff had said anything to them.

Everyone we spoke with -- said no.

Dylan ferguson, first time at toyota field i know as far as the mandate for madison county, i think everybody's just used to outside events being, as far as social distancing goes, you don't have to wear the mask as long as it's outside.

So that's probably why a lot of -- some people are not, maybe.

The language on the event page on facebook states that quote "masks are required."

Earlier today -- madison mayor paul finley said the city will also be checking in with the fair to make sure that the guidelines are followed.

Reporting live at toyota field -- will robinson-smith -- waay 31