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.
The racing took place on the fairgrounds on the recently constructed one-tenth mile oval, now called Chenango Speedway. During the 3 1/2-hour racing program, 14 total races were completed with 28 microd cars and 18 racing lawn tractors competing.
"We learned from experience, and we want to have (the microds and lawn tractors) back next year, we just need to get approval from the fair board," Mudge said. "The people now know it was a good show, and it will only get better."
Businesses contributing to free give-aways in the grandstand for Friday night's racing were Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Burger King, Arby's, Northeast Classic Car Museum, Cole Muffler, and Monroe Muffler and Brake.