NORWICH – The long wait is finally over as the 166th Chenango County Fair springs to life today. Although few events well be held during the afternoon, many agree the real beginning to the fair is the popular 4-H and Fireperson’s Parade, rolling out at 7 p.m. And at the head of the parade? This year’s Mr. and Mrs. Chenango County, who after little debate were selected as David and Virginia Law. The Laws, who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, have been involved in the fair in one way, shape or form for as long as memory serves.
“I first started when I was in sixth grade working with the horses,” said David, who added that – when he was just a teen – he would volunteer to help work the fair rides and set them up, just so he could have money to ride them. Later, he started working for the fair as a clown and further down the road was involved through his role as president of the Norwich Fire Department.
“He joined the fire department out of high school before we were married, it was something he inherited from his father who was a paid fireman,” said Virginia. “I think he has held every office there except for the chief.”
When Virginia finished high school, she began working as a secretary for the fair.
For the Laws, being selected as Mr. and Mrs. Chenango is a wonderful thing. “It’s an honor,” said David. “We have been connected to the fair for many years.”
Virginia is of the same mind. “I am very flattered and honored. We are going to go down, help out, and do our part. That’s what the fair is all about; trying to make a good experience for the community and everyone who comes.”
As the honored guests the Laws will have a myriad of responsibilities on top of their usual fair related chores. They will greet people entering the fair and ride at the front of the parade. “We kind of act as the co-chairpeople of the parade,” explained David, who explained the two will also help oversee the entertainment tent. “We are going to be all around the grounds, meeting people and so forth,” he laughed. “We know a lot of people in the community, we have a lot of friends in Norwich, and I am sure a lot of them are going to pick on us.”
David has noticed the fair change over the many decades he has been involved, improving upon itself year after year.
“I think we have tried to make it cleaner and friendlier,” said David. From big name entertainers to ones on their way up, the Laws have seen all sorts of fair extravaganzas including the expansion of the entertainment and thrill acts, as well as the growth of the livestock portion of the fair.
The parade itself is going to be nothing to sneeze at. Approximately 20 fire departments are scheduled to participate tonight along with motorcycle groups and a number of floats.
“I think its going to be a really nice parade with a lot of variety,” said four-year parade organizer Roger Chase, who suggests people come early to get a good seat. Parade visitors can expect quite a show tonight as Chase is a parade veteran whose experience is not to be trifled with. By the conclusion of 2013, Chase will have celebrated his 30th year as the organizer of the New Berlin Youth Days, which will take place later this month on the 24th.
The parade will feature a large motorcycle group including a contingent from the Red Knights along with other groups. A Binghamton high school steel drum band, traveling on a five foot trailer near to the head of the parade, will be operating unique steel drums and kids ranging in age from six to 18 will be performing maneuvers in go-cart-like vehicles to the amazement of all. Many floats will also be included in tonight’s spectacle, including one from Chobani – a first for the Greek Yogurt Company, joined by others from the Northeast Classic Car Museum, the Chenango Historical Museum, Frontier, and many more.