MORRIS – Well over half a century has gone by since the Otsego County Grange took over the Otsego County Fair and to this day, fairgoers and directors say the show is going strong.

An fair entry clerk said as of Monday. the barns and exhibit halls are full and the phones have been ringing with more entries all day. Kicking off July 31 with a day of free admission, rides provided by Gillette Shows, free entertainment, food, demonstrations and shows at the grandstand throughout the day, the fair is scheduled to last six days until closing Sunday, Aug. 5.

Special events this year include the fire service and school band parade, sponsored by New York Central Insurance Co. at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Also, followed by fireworks opening night, nationally acclaimed singing sensation Jason Michael Carroll will perform after opening act Cassidy Lynn and the Skyline Band starting at 7 p.m., Aug. 1. Admission is $10. The show, the Rodeo and other attractions throughout the week are sponsored by Otsego Automotive.

The Demolition Derby has taken a new spin this year as well as a backseat competition – meaning the drivers themselves will be blindfolded while the individual in the backseat gives out the driving directions.

There are plenty of free events taking place throughout the week for the whole family. Activities include entertainers Buffalo Barfield, Jason Reilly’s Frog Bog Island Shows, the magic trunk, Wambold’s Circus, a science discovery center and more. There are also wildlife, commercial, grange and farm exhibits as well.