The oddity that drips from carnival rides and games of chance spark curiosity in the self-proclaimed ordinary, but after a mature and purposeful tour, it appears the anomalies provide only one lead into solving the mystery of the Chenango County Fair.
What is the enigma that gives the fair a culture all its own, a culture that is so appealing to the masses?
According the people who appreciate it, it’s everything. It’s the kids, it’s adults, the games and the food; it’s the rides, slides, and animals too; it’s workers and displays; the volunteers and the cheers. The fair is all the colorful characters that come from us; the people are the spectrum that create the spotlight.
Carnival worker Daniel Youngs from Poland said he knows without a doubt what makes his job a wonderful experience. “The people,” said Daniel Youngs, who operates the water gun shooting range. “Just their faces – putting a smile on kids faces – it’s what we are here for, the amusement.”
The carnival worker’s gift of amusement and flair has come with years and miles of experience, learning the trade that has brought them through the in’s and out’s of America, an experience they say is treasured.
“You get to meet different people, go to different towns, and eat at different restaurants,” said carnival worker Reid Morrow, who is from Ohio. “It’s exciting, and it’s a lot of fun – plus my bosses are good to me.”
Nestled under the pavilions and in the 4-H hall beyond the midway, the agricultural roots of Chenango County still grow with pride, kept by the moos and crows of soon to be judged livestock and poultry.
Not a farmer herself, 7 year-old Allison Yacano of Norwich said that her aunt’s farm has interested her in agriculture. “Playing with them is the best,” said Allison, as she brushed a calf waiting to be raffled off later in the week. “We come down here every year.”
Her older brother John Yacano, age 10, said the fair is a welcomed escape from home and from thoughts of the oncoming school year. “I like hanging out and getting away from the house,” John said. “And enjoying the last part of summer.”
The main exhibition hall was also filled with political booths, promotional exhibits, and historical displays, along with a multitude of prize winning fruit, produce, and flowers. As always, there was a buzzing swarm of coffee and dessert seekers at the ever popular grange hall booth.
“Some people just work so hard all year round to put this together,” said gate keeper Mary Lou White. “It’s unbelievable how hard some people work.”
City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano walked in Tuesday’s Fireman’s Parade, that marched to the fairgrounds as part of opening day ceremonies. Maiurano said he was honored. “It was a humbling experience,” he said, “to be surrounded by such a great group of people give up their time to help others.”
Senator Tom Libous (R- Binghamton) visited the fair Wednesday morning, and he complimented all the exhibits and fair organizers. “I thought it was set up nicer than the State Fair. It is spectacular, people in the county should be proud,” Libous said. “There is a lot of agricultural history and a lot of family heritage in this county... the fair helps to show everyone why that is important.”