NORWICH – This Fourth of July weekend, families from across the Chenango area will visit the county fairgrounds to enjoy the rides, food, and fireworks at this year’s third annual Norwich Fireman’s Field Days event.

“It just wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks,” said one of the event’s co-chairmen, Wayne Law.

The Norwich Career Firefighter’s Union has again expanded the traditional Fourth of July fireworks display into a two-day extravaganza featuring amusement rides, concessions and the talents of local musicians.

Friday starts with a car cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m., with the event including a carnival midway and dozens of booths for vendors, eateries and non-profit organizations. There’s even a beer tent.

To gain admission on Friday, residents will only need to donate a non-perishable food item. Amusement rides will open at 5 p.m. and run until midnight.

On Saturday, the fairgrounds will open at noon with non-stop live music, a car rollover derby and the traditional fireworks display beginning at dark, put on by Majestic Fireworks.

“The fireworks show goes for about 45 minutes, starting at about 9:30. Just look out your window at that time the night before the event to see when it’s getting dark, and it’ll let you know when they kick off Saturday,” said Law.