NORWICH – “It’s getting close.”
That’s what Chenango County Fair Director Mary Weidman said last week amidst the hustle and bustle at the fairgrounds as volunteer work crews were digging in to prepare for the upcoming exposition.
“We have a lot of community groups, volunteers and fair board members taking an interest in doing the work,” Weidman said, as teenagers from The Place and Beautify Chenango County removed debris and cleaned up around the grandstands. “It’s what makes it all work.”
The fair will open for the 160th time with the Fireman’s Parade and a free admission night on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and run until Sunday, Aug. 12. The ticket offices on East Main Street are open and passes and advance tickets are also on sale at all local NBT locations.
The fairgrounds saw several major improvements in the last year. Off-season highlights included upgraded electrical systems and the addition of all-new metal seating inside the grand stand, which received a new roof last year.
“It’s safer now, more secure,” Weidman said. “It will also increase the crowd capacity.”
A work crew from Camp Pharsalia also recently finished adding fresh coats of paint to the horse, goat and cattle barns, with supplies donated by Canal Street Hardware in Oxford, while board members have taken on landscaping projects in the agricultural area.
Wednesday, the “Leafy Green” 4-Hers from Greene were out planting flowers.
“It’s a great way to get us out of the classroom,” said group leader Sue Stradling.
“It got the stink of indoors off of us,” fellow leader Michele Gray said with a laugh.
Aside from a new look around the grounds, the 160-year-old fair will also be demonstrating some new tricks. Two new horse exhibits, including Walter Varcoe’s “articulated equine skeletal display,” will make their debut. There will also be a sanctioned truck pull for the first time in over a decade. The fair board says it’s especially excited about a live tribute performance Aug. 8 by Tommy Cash, country music legend Johnny Cash’s younger brother.
“That’s going to be really neat,” said Weidman.
Also looking forward to fair week are Norwich residents Dennis and Betty Bates, who have been appointed 2007 Mr. and Mrs. Chenango County Fair.
“It’s a great thing for the kids,” said Betty, speaking of the fair. “We’re partial to the animals.”
She and Dennis, who is a dairy farmer and electrician, along with their children and grandchildren, have handled all the on-site electrical work during the fair for over 40 years.
Betty said they were surprised by the distinction.
“We never expected it. We’re just happy to be in the background making it run smoothly,” she said with a laugh. “It’s been a real big part of our lives since we started in it.”
It’s been a big part of Chenango County, too, Weidman said.
“This fair is one of the older in New York state,” she said. “It’s an important historical event for Chenango County.”
Coming up in the Pennysaver there will be a cut-out coupon that can be submitted with the purchase of a grandstand ticket that will be drawn for $160 cash or prize.