NORWICH – The first-ever microd and lawnmower races, all free of admission to the grandstand at last week's Chenango County Fair, helped raise $1,600 for charity, said Fair Board representative and this year's fair director, Dale Mudge.

"Everything went well, but with something new like that (to the fair) we'll make some changes and improvements," Mudge said.

Chenango Welding Supply contributed a Lincoln Mig Welder and a Milwaukee Impact gun for a raffle, and Mudge said $1,100 was raised from the raffle for Saturday's drawing. Another $500 was raised through sponsorships with the total proceeds donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a national charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.