NORWICH – The 166th annual Chenango County Fair kicks-off today, bringing one of the county’s most enduring summertime traditions back to the fairgrounds on East Main Street in Norwich.
More than 40,000 people take to the fairgrounds every year for the spectacle of sights and sounds that make up the Chenango County Fair. With some big events on the agenda again this year, organizers say they are hoping for an even bigger turnout.
Mary Weidman, president of the Chenango Agricultural Society, said “We have a lot of good things lined up this year, so we are hoping people can come out and enjoy themselves ... It’s always a fun event that has something fun for everyone.”
The fair traditionally gets underway with the 4-H and Fireperson’s Parade, which steps-off at 7 p.m. at Midland Street and heads down East Main Street before finishing at the fairgrounds. Leading up to the parade, Tuesday is all about horse racing as the NYS Sire Stakes Harness Racing takes to the fairgrounds racetrack, said Weidman. Races start at 1 p.m. and continue throughout the day.
“We have one of the best harness tracks in the state, which is really quite an achievement for us,” said Weidman, noting that two records were broken in 2012 - one for trotters and the other for pacers. The day will be dedicated to Frank Tingley, a well-known harness racer from Afton and director of the Afton Fair.
Tuesday is also free admission day at the fair, courtesy of NBT Bank and M&T Bank. The day rounds out with two free performances from local musical groups The Monarchs - who take the stage between 7:30 and 8 p.m. - followed by the Woodshed Prophets.
“Both concerts are sponsored by the Chenango Blues Association,” said Weidman. “It’s really a good day for people to come out and see what we have at the fair.”
The fair’s always popular Midway, hosted by the Coleman Brothers Carnival and sponsored by Stop DWI, Walmart and Price Chopper, does not open until 4 p.m. on Tuesday and will open at noon every day thereafter.
The six-day exposition picks up again Wednesday morning - Children’s Day at the Chenango County Fair. Children 12 and under will be admitted at no charge until 5 p.m. Wednesday’s events features Dogs on the Run at 2 p.m., the Children’s Day bicycle drawing at 5 p.m. (in the entertainment tent), and a performance at the grandstand by country music vocalist Jamie O’Neal.
Wednesday will also be the first of three performances from magician Matt Episcipo. “He works the crowd very well a it’s a lot of fun to watch,” said Weidman. “He also ties his act in with the bullying programs that are important for kids in school and the issues they face in school.” Episcipo will perform at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday inside the entertainment tent.
