Chenango County Fair to return with a few changes
Organizers say that even with slight schedule changes and a few modifications to satisfy COVID guidelines, they expect a big turnout for the 174th annual Chenango County Fair.(File Photo)
NORWICH - Happy for the chance to put on a county fair this year, fair organizers say changes are afoot for Chenango County’s premier gala of farming, fun, and food.
The 174th annual Chenango County Fair will take place Wednesday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 15 at the fairgrounds on East Main Street in Norwich. The five-day event is noticeably one day shorter than previous years to allow more time for the carnival to set up before attendees flock to the fairgrounds.
Another notable change is with this year’s firemen’s parade which traditionally ushers in the festival through its East Main Street route on opening day. This year, however, the parade will take a new route on the fairgrounds, coming in the back entrance from Maydole Street and working its way to the front of the fairgrounds. Organizers say the path down East Main simply became too costly to insure.
“We really want everyone to be aware well in advance that the parade is going to be on the grounds this year,” said fair organizer Mary Weidman, adding that opening day is also free admission. “Because the parade’s on the grounds, we wanted everyone to be able to enjoy it.”
Finally, organizers have moved the opening time for carnival rides to 2 p.m. daily, Sunday being the exception at 1 p.m. This, they said, gives better assurance that ride operators and other employees of the Coleman Brothers, the entertainment company behind the midway, can better prepare for fairgoers.
“They deal with the same labor restrictions as other businesses do,” said Weidman. “People might be concerned that we’ll open later; but there’s reasons for it. We want people to come and have a good time, but we also want to help support the people who are putting this on.”
Each year, more than 40,000 people flock to the fairgrounds for the spectacle of sights and sounds that make up the Chenango County Fair. And with some big events on the docket again this year, organizers say they’re hoping for an even greater turnout.
Events kick off with fireworks on opening night. On Thursday, grandstand headliners include a small-time tractor pull at 10 a.m. and the modified Empire State Pullers at 7 p.m. On Friday, there will be a pull contest for street-legal trucks (an event started this year in response to popular demand). The grandstand spotlight shines on the Broken B Rodeo at 7 p.m. Saturday; and on Sunday, the popular demo derby is slated for 1 p.m.
Of course, there’s a little something for everyone happening all over the fairgrounds, said Weidman. Entertainment, games, rides and food - all part of the fair experience. Daily shows include Tired Iron Antique Machinery displays, Chris Lantz: chainsaw carver, Chee Chee the clown, and displays in Exhibition Hall. A complete list of events can be found by searching “Chenango County Fair” on Facebook.
In accordance with COVID guidelines, organizers submitted an approved plan to New York State this year and ask that unvaccinated individuals wear masks. Hand-washing stations and signage will be placed throughout the fairgrounds to remind fairgoers of good health practices, and masks will be available.
“We’re hoping for good weather and good turnout this year,” Weidman said. “I think people are excited to be able to enjoy the fair again.”
The 174th annual Chenango County Fair will take place Wednesday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 15 at the fairgrounds on East Main Street in Norwich. The five-day event is noticeably one day shorter than previous years to allow more time for the carnival to set up before attendees flock to the fairgrounds.
Another notable change is with this year’s firemen’s parade which traditionally ushers in the festival through its East Main Street route on opening day. This year, however, the parade will take a new route on the fairgrounds, coming in the back entrance from Maydole Street and working its way to the front of the fairgrounds. Organizers say the path down East Main simply became too costly to insure.
“We really want everyone to be aware well in advance that the parade is going to be on the grounds this year,” said fair organizer Mary Weidman, adding that opening day is also free admission. “Because the parade’s on the grounds, we wanted everyone to be able to enjoy it.”
Finally, organizers have moved the opening time for carnival rides to 2 p.m. daily, Sunday being the exception at 1 p.m. This, they said, gives better assurance that ride operators and other employees of the Coleman Brothers, the entertainment company behind the midway, can better prepare for fairgoers.
“They deal with the same labor restrictions as other businesses do,” said Weidman. “People might be concerned that we’ll open later; but there’s reasons for it. We want people to come and have a good time, but we also want to help support the people who are putting this on.”
Each year, more than 40,000 people flock to the fairgrounds for the spectacle of sights and sounds that make up the Chenango County Fair. And with some big events on the docket again this year, organizers say they’re hoping for an even greater turnout.
Events kick off with fireworks on opening night. On Thursday, grandstand headliners include a small-time tractor pull at 10 a.m. and the modified Empire State Pullers at 7 p.m. On Friday, there will be a pull contest for street-legal trucks (an event started this year in response to popular demand). The grandstand spotlight shines on the Broken B Rodeo at 7 p.m. Saturday; and on Sunday, the popular demo derby is slated for 1 p.m.
Of course, there’s a little something for everyone happening all over the fairgrounds, said Weidman. Entertainment, games, rides and food - all part of the fair experience. Daily shows include Tired Iron Antique Machinery displays, Chris Lantz: chainsaw carver, Chee Chee the clown, and displays in Exhibition Hall. A complete list of events can be found by searching “Chenango County Fair” on Facebook.
In accordance with COVID guidelines, organizers submitted an approved plan to New York State this year and ask that unvaccinated individuals wear masks. Hand-washing stations and signage will be placed throughout the fairgrounds to remind fairgoers of good health practices, and masks will be available.
“We’re hoping for good weather and good turnout this year,” Weidman said. “I think people are excited to be able to enjoy the fair again.”
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