SOUTH OTSELIC – Since they first arrived in South Otselic in 1958, William and Helen Bowers have committed themselves to numerous organizations across the county, including the Chenango County Agricultural Society.
Also known as the Fair Board, according to President Mary Weidman, this group of dedicated individuals are the driving force behind the annual Chenango County Fair, now in its 164th year. For approximately a decade, William served as director of the organization, following which he continued as its treasurer. That, however, is just one reason he and his wife have been chosen as this year’s “Mr. and Mrs. Chenango County Fair.”
“They’re absolutely wonderful people and they’ve always been willing to help in any way they could with the fair, but also within the community,” said Weidman of the couple. “Helen was always involved peripherally, selling tickets and helping with office tasks, and they’re a great representative from that end of the valley.”
As the fair’s goodwill ambassadors, the Bowers will participate in next Tuesday’s 4-H and Firemen’s Parade, and will represent Chenango County at the fair throughout the week.
According to Weidman, William remains an active member of the agricultural society and continues to support the fair year after year. And though he’s now retired – he remains active as a member of the Senior Citizens Council and still makes daily trips to a nearby farm, helping out in any way he can. Helen, as always, is right there by her husband’s side, added Weidman.
The couple said they were caught completely by surprise when informed of their selection as Mr. and Mrs. Chenango County Fair. Helen, in particular, added she’s “kind of nervous,” but thought the gesture was extremely kind.
“I hope we’re worthy of it,” she added. “We’re very community-minded people.”
According to William, the couple have always been that way, willing to offer that helping hand whenever and wherever it was needed. It has been and continues to be, he said, a great way to meet some wonderful people and – if nothing else – it gives him something to do.
“I just enjoy doing community things,” said William, who laughingly added he “appreciates the honor” of being selected “but it’s not something we’re used to. I never expected this at this stage of the game.”
Between 1958 and 1994, William worked as a technician for the Eastern Artificial Breeders Cooperative. Very involved in the breeding of dairy cattle, he also served on the Technician’s Advisory Council and Thrift Plan Committee, reported Weidman, as well as the South Otselic Emergency Squad.
As a “stay-at-home” guitarist, he said he really enjoyed “the better farming years” in Chenango County.
“We used to pick on him a lot, no pun intended,” laughed Weidman. “We used to have our annual dinner in late fall and Bill provided the entertainment one year. He’s just a wonderful personality, he loves to laugh and I’m sure he and Helen will have a friendly smile and a few kind words for everyone at the fair.”
The Chenango County Fair will run from Aug. 9-14 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. Advance tickets will be available through August 8 at Price Chopper and the fairgrounds. For more information call 334-9198 or visit www.chenangocountyfair.homestead.com.