174th Chenango County Fair kicks-off today
For nearly two centuries, the Chenango County Fair has been a showcase of the area’s agricultural roots and community. The fair gets underway with the Fire Department Parade at 7 p.m. Wednesday, in Norwich, followed by fireworks and a concert at the fairgrounds. Above, the county fair in 2019. (ES file photo)
NORWICH - The 174th annual Chenango County Fair kicks-off today, bringing one of the county’s most enduring summertime traditions back to the fairgrounds in Norwich.
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 leading 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 40,000 visitors each year, making it the largest annual county attraction – a feat that takes a whole lot of planning and prepping, said Ag Society President Mary Weidman. And with big events on the docket again this year - and folks itching to enjoy summer again - organizers say they’re hoping for another terrific turnout.
“We’re looking forward to a happy fair and a successful event,” said Weidman. “We just hope the weather holds up for us.”
The fair gets underway with the Fireperson’s Parade, which steps-off at 7 p.m. tonight. The parade, sponsored by NBT Bank, takes a new route on the fairgrounds this year, coming in the back entrance from Maydole Street and working its way to the front of the fairgrounds.
The parade will be followed by fireworks on the fairgrounds at dusk and a movie playing at the C.J. Husted Stage at 9 p.m.
Wednesday is also free admission day, giving fairgoers the chance to enjoy attractions that represent all things Chenango. There’s plenty to check out, said Weidman. The entertainment tent will feature local talent throughout the week, Chobani will sponsor a petting zoo near Exhibition Hall, and Coleman Brothers Shows Inc. will bring life to the midway with more than 30 rides, games, and other concessions.
The five-day event this year is noticeably one day shorter than previous years to allow more time for the carnival to set up before attendees flock to the fairgrounds. Organizers have moved the opening time for carnival rides to 2 p.m. daily, Sunday being the exception at 1 p.m. This gives better assurance that ride operators and other employees of the Coleman Brothers, the entertainment company behind the midway, can better prepare for fairgoers.
Organizers are also taking extra precautions to keep people safe this year, setting up sanitizing stations throughout the fairgrounds and offering masks to individuals who want one.
“We’re very conscious of health concerns. We’re working very closely with the health department and Public Health has been very supportive of all our efforts,” said Weidman. “We’re being extremely conscientious of safety needs. We’re encouraging people to be safe.”
A complete list of happenings at the 174th Chenango County Fair – including free entertainment, exhibits, and grandstand events – is available online at chenangofair.com.
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 leading 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 40,000 visitors each year, making it the largest annual county attraction – a feat that takes a whole lot of planning and prepping, said Ag Society President Mary Weidman. And with big events on the docket again this year - and folks itching to enjoy summer again - organizers say they’re hoping for another terrific turnout.
“We’re looking forward to a happy fair and a successful event,” said Weidman. “We just hope the weather holds up for us.”
The fair gets underway with the Fireperson’s Parade, which steps-off at 7 p.m. tonight. The parade, sponsored by NBT Bank, takes a new route on the fairgrounds this year, coming in the back entrance from Maydole Street and working its way to the front of the fairgrounds.
The parade will be followed by fireworks on the fairgrounds at dusk and a movie playing at the C.J. Husted Stage at 9 p.m.
Wednesday is also free admission day, giving fairgoers the chance to enjoy attractions that represent all things Chenango. There’s plenty to check out, said Weidman. The entertainment tent will feature local talent throughout the week, Chobani will sponsor a petting zoo near Exhibition Hall, and Coleman Brothers Shows Inc. will bring life to the midway with more than 30 rides, games, and other concessions.
The five-day event this year is noticeably one day shorter than previous years to allow more time for the carnival to set up before attendees flock to the fairgrounds. Organizers have moved the opening time for carnival rides to 2 p.m. daily, Sunday being the exception at 1 p.m. This gives better assurance that ride operators and other employees of the Coleman Brothers, the entertainment company behind the midway, can better prepare for fairgoers.
Organizers are also taking extra precautions to keep people safe this year, setting up sanitizing stations throughout the fairgrounds and offering masks to individuals who want one.
“We’re very conscious of health concerns. We’re working very closely with the health department and Public Health has been very supportive of all our efforts,” said Weidman. “We’re being extremely conscientious of safety needs. We’re encouraging people to be safe.”
A complete list of happenings at the 174th Chenango County Fair – including free entertainment, exhibits, and grandstand events – is available online at chenangofair.com.
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