Upgrades make fairgrounds safer, more enjoyable
NORWICH – Along with all the familiar sights, sounds, and, deep-fried smells of the Chenango County Fair, fairgoers will undoubtedly notice something new this year.
Crews have worked throughout the summer to overhaul the grandstand, Chenango County’s premier stage for music performances, tractor pulls, and demolition derbies.
Organizers say the improvements give fairgoers a safer, more enjoyable experience.
It was a major undertaking that included new concrete footers, re-framing, and upgraded LED lighting, said Chenango Ag Society President Mary Weidman. But thanks to help from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program – with additional support from the Follett and Greater Norwich foundations – it’s an undertaking that fair organizers were able to pull off.
“This was our second year of construction projects through the DOD IRT program,” Weidman said, noting that work done last year included electrical and water upgrades, and a new building on the grounds’ south side to house fair offices. “It’s really brought some major improvements to the fairgrounds.”
The DOD IRT program provided cost-free labor for renovations via military personnel, while the cost of materials was footed by Chenango County.
The partnership is a win-win that brings much needed improvements to the fairgrounds while offering military personnel hands-on construction experience that’s useful in establishing temporary stations during times of emergency.
In addition to grandstand renovations, service members also upgraded lighting on the south road near the cattle area, improved cattle barns with new roofs and internal work, and installed new LED lighting in the parking area.
“People who are driving by say they can’t believe what it looks like now,” Weidman said. “It’s tremendous. We have a lot of work still left to do, but we’re really delighted with what we have started.”
“People think the grandstand looks amazing,” added Ag Society member Jason Lawrence. He joked, “Someone on Maydole Street made the comment that he’s lived there 32 years, and finally the fair has done something to enhance his view from the back.”
In the midst of ongoing improvements, fair organizers are now wondering what to do about the vacant space where Exhibition Hall once stood. The structure collapsed under the weight of snow in March.
“After having some engineering studies done, it was determined that we couldn’t safely secure the building and we had to tear it down,” Weidman said. “We’ve heard a lot of comments about what we should do next.”
Considerations include building a more entertainment-friendly structure, with stage space, and a place for outdoor entertainment. Ideas are to also include bathrooms and a kitchen area.
“It’s really up in the air,” she said, “but we want to involve the community in the process.”
Since Chenango County isn’t eligible for another round of the DOD IRT program until 2019, work on a new exhibition hall would have to be funded entirely by Chenango County.
Crews have worked throughout the summer to overhaul the grandstand, Chenango County’s premier stage for music performances, tractor pulls, and demolition derbies.
Organizers say the improvements give fairgoers a safer, more enjoyable experience.
It was a major undertaking that included new concrete footers, re-framing, and upgraded LED lighting, said Chenango Ag Society President Mary Weidman. But thanks to help from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program – with additional support from the Follett and Greater Norwich foundations – it’s an undertaking that fair organizers were able to pull off.
“This was our second year of construction projects through the DOD IRT program,” Weidman said, noting that work done last year included electrical and water upgrades, and a new building on the grounds’ south side to house fair offices. “It’s really brought some major improvements to the fairgrounds.”
The DOD IRT program provided cost-free labor for renovations via military personnel, while the cost of materials was footed by Chenango County.
The partnership is a win-win that brings much needed improvements to the fairgrounds while offering military personnel hands-on construction experience that’s useful in establishing temporary stations during times of emergency.
In addition to grandstand renovations, service members also upgraded lighting on the south road near the cattle area, improved cattle barns with new roofs and internal work, and installed new LED lighting in the parking area.
“People who are driving by say they can’t believe what it looks like now,” Weidman said. “It’s tremendous. We have a lot of work still left to do, but we’re really delighted with what we have started.”
“People think the grandstand looks amazing,” added Ag Society member Jason Lawrence. He joked, “Someone on Maydole Street made the comment that he’s lived there 32 years, and finally the fair has done something to enhance his view from the back.”
In the midst of ongoing improvements, fair organizers are now wondering what to do about the vacant space where Exhibition Hall once stood. The structure collapsed under the weight of snow in March.
“After having some engineering studies done, it was determined that we couldn’t safely secure the building and we had to tear it down,” Weidman said. “We’ve heard a lot of comments about what we should do next.”
Considerations include building a more entertainment-friendly structure, with stage space, and a place for outdoor entertainment. Ideas are to also include bathrooms and a kitchen area.
“It’s really up in the air,” she said, “but we want to involve the community in the process.”
Since Chenango County isn’t eligible for another round of the DOD IRT program until 2019, work on a new exhibition hall would have to be funded entirely by Chenango County.
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