TOPSFIELD — Candy apples are a hit at the Topsfield Fair, while a ballot initiative to abolish the Massachusetts state income tax looks unlikely to pass and the economic hard times for the country still have a long way to go.
So say 35 participants in a random, unscientific survey of fairgoers yesterday.
"I can't imagine not having (an income) tax," said Jodi Moran of Malden as to why she thinks, along with 89 percent of those questioned, that the ballot initiative will fail.
When asked when he thought the economy might turn around, whether it be by Christmas, spring, or late 2009, Jim Donnelly of Saugus remained among the majority with more than half of the people saying that times will get better "no time soon."
"If all the experts can't tell you when, then I can't," said Donnelly.
"In my long life, I cannot think of a worse time financially," lamented David Patch Sr., 74, of Boxford.
When asked what the favorite food offered at the fair was, the answers were more varied with 37.8 percent going with the tried and tested candy apple. Funnel cakes came in second with 16.2 percent, the giant turkey leg a close third, while more than a quarter of those asked revolted against the question itself, opting out for the write-in, "None of the above."
"I think the choices of fair food are awful!" David Patch Jr., also of Boxford, said with a laugh. "Aren't you supposed to have onion rings or fried dough on those (lists)?"
