NORWICH – They say “all’s well that ends well,” and although the last week has seemingly been one dose of the fair after another, it is over and according to Mary Weidman, Chenango County agricultural society president, was a huge success.
“The entire fair flowed very smoothly this year,” said Weidman. “The attendance has been up, the events were exciting and all of the participants were very cordial.”
This year’s fair had all of the attractions and events that year after year bring the people of Chenango County to the fairgrounds, with a few new additions that, according to Weidman, were a huge success and attracted a new level of attendance.
One of the most popular additions to this year’s fair was the alpaca show, which included 92 participants and became the most talked about event of the week. According to Paula Evans, a member of the fair staff, the turnout for the alpaca show was fantastic for the first year and many of the participants expressed interest in returning.
The entertainment line-up also had a special addition this year. TNA’s Impact Wrestling World Tour made its debut at the Chenango County fair on Friday and put on an amazing show, said Weidman. The performers were very professional and although the turnout wasn’t as large as expected, everyone who did attend expressed delight at the unusual but exciting new event, she said.
Musical acts also drew a large crowd this year as the New Riders of the Purple Sage returned to the county and country rocker Andy Griggs took the stage on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Other musical acts included Katelyn Jackson and Hailey and Shawn and Family Band.
The entertainment tent also saw its fair share of action including the Miss Teenager pageant on Wednesday and a magician, Magical John, and talent show on Saturday. Winners of the talent show and pageant will go on to state competitions next month.
According to Weidman, it’s difficult to tell exactly why this year’s fair was so well attended, but she attributed much of the success to the new events and an increased budget for advertising. She also expressed gratitude to the more than 50 volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to the fair whether they were delivering food, setting up booths, stamping hands or helping with any of the other variety of tasks that make the fair run smoothly.
Chief Joseph Angelino of the Norwich City Police also felt the fair ran smoothly.
“It was excellent ... no one got hurt and everyone had fun,” he said.
The fair wrapped up on Sunday night with a full grandstand to see a series of demolition derbies. Delbert Rudolph, owner of RR Derbies, L.L.C., said the turnout for each derby was fantastic and the crowd appeared to enjoy the show immensely.
The wrap-up of the fair also prompted a huge sigh of relief from Weidman, who admits to keeping an eye on the weather channel the entire week.
“We thought we would get poured on a couple of times, but it always missed us for the most part,” she said.
With this year’s fair on its way out the door, Weidman has settled into making the final counts and beginning to talk to vendors about contracts for next year.
“All of the vendors and the Coleman Carnival were very satisfied with the turnout and how many people were buying food and tickets,” she said. “We’re already getting requests for contracts for next year.”
For more information about the Chenango County Fair, contact the Agricultural Society at 334-9198 or visit their website, www.chenangocountyfair.homestead.com.