NORWICH – Approximately 40,000 people are expected to visit the county fairgrounds throughout the week and weekend as the 163rd Chenango County Fair kicks off Tuesday. It’s one of the longest running annual events in the history of the county, according to Chenango County Agricultural Society President Mary Weidman.

A celebration of all things Chenango, Weidman said the event will feature its traditional blend of rides, entertainment, games, exhibits, vendors and more, and added fair officials have “tried out a couple of new initiatives this year,” including the sale of advance tickets.

Today will be fair-goers last chance to take advantage of the deal – $5 for advance grandstand admission and $4 for advance general admission tickets.

“With the economy the way it is, we thought we’d offer the advance ticket sales to allow people to get tickets and save some money,” stated Weidman. “This way they can enjoy something close to home that’s fun and affordable.”

Weidman reported that, on Tuesday, fair officials will once again offer visitors free admission to the fairgrounds, thanks to the Giant’s Warehouse, Smith Ford and NBT Bank, and events planned for the afternoon and evening include the New York State Sire Stakes Harness Race at 1 p.m. and a special Chenango County Blues Association Summer Concert Series performance by legendary guitarist Les Dudek at 8 p.m.

Yet for many county residents, the annual event truly kicks off at 7 p.m. with the 4-H and Firemen’s Parade, led by the Chenango County American Legion and the American Legion Riders.

Local American Legion Commander Hank Burnor said motorcyclists wishing to ride in the parade should be prepared to line up on Midland Drive, across from the high school, between 6 and 6:30 p.m., and added prizes will be give to the first 50 who do so.

A number of other veterans organizations will be represented at the parade, said Burnor, joined by several other local motorcycle clubs such as the Booze Fighters, Abate and the Harley Owners Group, better known as HOG.

According to parade chairman Roger Chase, this year’s parade will feature antique tractors, horses, floats, the Black Knights, the Binghamton High School Steel Drum Band, marching bands from Harpursville and Laurens – overall winners at the Sherburne Pageant of Bands – and approximately 20 area fire departments.

Millennium Entertainment owner Terry Potter said Wednesday’s Guitars Under the Stars line-up will feature a special performance by American Idol finalist and country singer Josh Gracin, following opening acts Shawn and Hailey, Caitlin Jackson – who recently returned from Nashville and the recording of her first album – the Beadle Brothers and Cassidy Lynn, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Beadle Brothers will be promoting their debut album, “To the Moon and Back,” also recorded in Nashville, added Potter.