CHENANGO COUNTY – “I’ve been coming to the Chenango County Fair since I was ‘this’ high,” said Cora Moore, placing her palm face-down approximately two and a half feet from the ground. “It was many years ago,” she added with a laugh.
Thursday was Senior Citizens Day at the 166th annual Chenango County Fair, and a rather large number of folks fitting the “senior citizen” criteria showed up early to enjoy a plethora of activities available underneath the entertainment tent.
Aside from the ample seating and handicapped accessible areas, the area offered a great many booths and displays for those interested in learning about options available to people only fitting their age group.
“Oh look honey, I think we can even get a massage if we’d like. Now isn’t that just nice?” said a woman to her husband as they perused the options available under the tent. She was referring to Chenango Massage Therapy, which had set up a table and a special chair for massages near the rear of the tent.
Opportunities for Chenango had a booth set up nearby, offering information to interested parties regarding home weatherization and energy assistance programs. The EmPower New York program is sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and it helps residents reduce the amount of home energy used by installing energy efficient upgrades including lighting and refrigerator replacements. The program offers tips and techniques on how folks can manage energy costs better.
A woman visiting the booth initially began to walk away after hearing the perks, saying, “Well, I don’t have the money for that sort of thing these days, thanks anyway.”
It was soon explained that the application process is free, and there are few qualifications to meet to be eligible for the program. Since the woman is a NYSEG customer, lives in a building with fewer than 100 units, and has a household income below 60 percent of the state median income, she learned she is qualified for the benefits of the EmPower New York program. She was elated, stating she assumed there was more of a catch, such as a fee to apply for help.
There is no cost as the program is supported by the System Benefits Charge that is already a part of utility bills.
“I suppose I didn’t realize there would be this wealth of information here today,” said the woman. “It’s the first time I’ve come to Senior Day, even though I have been to the fair before. This is pretty great.”
Moore, a South New Berlin resident who has been attending the Chenango County Fair for years, said she was elated there were so many activities available for senior citizens these days.
“I used to ride the rides, but they aren’t for me anymore,” she added. “I do love to check out the animals and just look around at all there is to offer. I have fun, but those rides, no way - they’re not for me now, I have different fun things now. Years ago, absolutely.”
Music underneath the tent was provided by Tim Brown, 28, of Norwich, who entertained from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“This is my first time performing here at the fair,” said Brown, who added he has attended the fair as a patron in previous years. “Providing entertainment here for Senior Citizen’s Day is great, everyone is really receptive to the events going on and it’s an overall good atmosphere.”
Brown said along with emceeing, he was happy to provide the attendees with “music from their era,” which was well received according to those passing by.
“Let’s dance,” said one woman to her husband while listening to the music. He then responded with, “Why don’t we stop over here and grab some yogurt first, then sure.”
Chobani was offering yogurt to the seniors taking part in the day’s activities and many of those present were elated about the mid-morning snack before the chicken and biscuit meal that was to be offered later, at a discounted rate. Bingo was also slated to take place during the day, an event many passersby were mentioning.
Near 11 a.m., “Chee Chee the Clown” took the stage at the Entertainment Tent and offered some magic and fun for those wishing to watch. As he began his routine, more seats started to fill and laughter could be heard from all around the tent.
A woman seated near the front whispered to her partner as the clown began, “How did he just do that? Oh boy.”
He quietly whispered back, “I think I know, keep watching.”
The man later retracted his statement, as the trick became more intricate and confused the entire audience even more, and abundant laughter ensued.
While a great many in attendance at Senior Citizen’s Day were no strangers to the Chenango County Fair, Unadilla resident Ellie Martini said she had never been before on Thursday.
“It’s my first time here, I thought I would check it out,” Martini said. “I was really just interested in seeing what they had to offer, and it looks like a whole lot. This is really nice.”
Be it massages, meals, music, magic or myriads of helpful information, Senior Citizen’s Day at the fair offered a great deal to those who opted to spend a day being appreciated by the community.