“We offer a lot of varied kinds of entertainment featuring people from Chenango County who take great pride in what they do or make,” Ag Society President Mary Weidman.

NORWICH – With just five days to go, last minute plans are underway to bring the 172nd annual Chenango County Fair back into the limelight.

For nearly two centuries, the Chenango County Fair has been a showcase of the area’s agricultural roots and an attraction for the young and young at heart. The core of the event aligns with the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs. Its mission: to foster horticulture and domestic arts, and educate on Chenango’s number one industry of agriculture.

Whether it’s the educational exhibits, family friendliness, or the glowing games, rides and food of the midway, the Chenango County fair attracts nearly 40,0000 visitors each year, making it the largest annual county attraction – a feat that takes a lot of planning and prepping, said Ag Society President Mary Weidman.

“I think the fair comes at a good time for a summer vacation,” said Weidman, pointing to the fair’s notoriety of fun for all ages. “We offer a lot of varied kinds of entertainment featuring people from Chenango County who take great pride in what they do or make.”

And with big events on this year’s docket, organizers say they hope for a turnout of fairgoers to match.

The fair kicks-off Tuesday, Aug. 6 and will continue through Sunday, Aug. 11 at the county fairgrounds in Norwich.

“We have a couple new events going on that will display different businesses and aspects of Chenango County,” said Weidman, explaining this year’s Chenango Ag and Outdoors exhibit hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The exhibit will highlight local ag-focused industries including maple, honey and farm crops. “We really thought it was time to bring in individual businesses that are a big part of our economy and give them an opportunity to showcase at the fair.”

Organizers are also partnering again with local FFA chapters. The intent’s to promote various agricultural entities participating in the fair and promote youth in the ag industry.

“If people want to see farm animals and youth participating, we have Clover Buds who start exhibiting animals at five years old, and they often do that right up through high school,” said Weidman. “It’s a great chance to learn what opportunities youth have to participate.”

In addition to the fan favorites – tractor pulls, pageants, petting zoos, and plenty of free entertainment – organizers this year are, for the first time, working with local churches to bring in something new as their banner event. The nationally renowned contemporary Christian rock band Sidewalk Prophets will take the grandstand stage at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9.

“We were really excited about partnering with these churches,” said Weidman. “It allows for a different venture than what we’ve done in the past, so we really hope it’s going to work out well.”

Of course, there’s plenty of other attractions for fairgoers to check out, she added. The entertainment tent will feature local talent throughout the week; and Coleman Brothers Shows Inc. will bring life to the midway with more than 30 rides, games, and other concessions.

A complete list of happenings at the 172nd Chenango County Fair – including free entertainment, exhibits, and grandstand events – is available online at chenangocountyfair.homestead.com.