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EEE concerns impacting attendance at Marshfield Fair

MARSHFIELD, Mass. — The deadly EEE virus carried by mosquitoes is now not only a health concern, but for some, a financial concern.

The Marshfield Fair is a strong Marshfield tradition spanning 152 years, but for some vendors their numbers this year have been down to nearly half.

"We are at 50% off as of today," said Bob Maffeo.

"Overall, since Monday, I have easily been down 50 to 75%," said Jason Carrier, a caricature artist

Vendors say the heat is the same every year, but the only thing making this year different is the potential threat of EEE.

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"I've had many things happened to me that have not taken me out, but I don't want a little bug to do it if you know what I mean," Maffeo said.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a potentially deadly virus carried by mosquitoes. The Department of Public Health is currently spraying dozens of communities from the air.

"Plymouth County comes through with the vehicle and they spray from the ground, and they're coming again tomorrow morning," said Leonard LaForest, the President of the Marshfield Fair.

LaForest says that should be enough to get people coming back out.

"We didn't think about that," said Jessica Mendes of Brockton. "We were just thinking about having fun, and summer is kind of almost over so we're just enjoying it."

And if the customers can't enjoy the fair, the vendors won't either.

"I don't think I'm putting away any money this year," Carrier said.

The fair continues through Sunday, organizers are hoping for larger crowds this weekend to make up for lost revenue.