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.