MADISON – Boone County Fair officials spoke to the Boone County Commission about the possibility of charging attendee of the fair for certain events or for admission during certain time periods. First-time fair president Leona Messer said the goal is to be able to make the fair successful without having to ask the county for additional funding. “We will allow people to get in for free, but maybe be able to charge for admission later in the evening when we have special concerts or maybe charge for certain events,” Messer said. The commission said it would continue to support the fair financially and charging for admission was something they could not decide. “This is something the fair board must decide, but you have our blessing to do what you need to do,” said Boone County Commissioner Atholl Halstead. Messer said the fair board gets various information, as well as misinformation about what is allowed and what is not allowed. “I will be checking with our insurance carrier and our board to see what things we can and cannot do to in terms of fundraising events and other acceptable events during the fair,” she said. “We want to keep costs down, but we also want to have a fair everyone is proud of and wants to attend.” Last year the carnival cancelled at the last minute, which accounted for the worst fair attendance in many years. “That will not happen this year,” Messer said. “We have signed contracts with a very reputable carnival company out of Ohio.” The Boone County Fair Flea market is planned for Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Madison Civic Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Messer added. “There will be a hotdog and bake sale and spaces are available for $15, including one table,” she said. For reservations for the flea market, call Virginia Messer at 304-245-8113.