NORWICH – There’s more than fireworks in store for the 4th of July celebration taking place this year at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

This Independence Day, the fairgrounds will be flooded with music and entertainment as “Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds” gets underway. The hometown festival entails an afternoon of entertainment, recreation, and a lineup of musical acts featuring country music star Bucky Covington as the headliner.

The jamboree kicks off with a tractor pull competition at 10 a.m., followed by the opening of the “Family Fun Zone” inside the fairgrounds’ Exhibition Hall at 2 p.m. Family Fun Zone includes various arts and crafts, interactive art, vendors, inflatable rides, and more.

Admission to the event is $15 at the gates; $10 if tickets are purchased in advance. Inflatable ride bracelets will be sold separately at the event. Tickets may be purchased at Hummel’s Office Plus in Norwich, The Artists’ Palette in Norwich, Video Entertainment Plus in Sidney, NBT Bank in New Berlin, or online at brownpapertickets.com. Kids 12 and under can get in free.

“We’re excited to bring something like this back to Norwich,” said Terry Potter, event coordinator and owner of Millenia Entertainment. “Based on the number of calls we’re getting, I think it’s going to be a great event for the entire community. We’re just hoping that people come out to enjoy it.”

A number of activities are planned throughout the afternoon before heading into the explosive 4th of July fireworks show at dusk. The “X-Treme Zone” will give festival goers a chance to try some thrilling activities including zip lining, or testing their stamina on a mechanical bull. Meanwhile, a lineup of local and regional musicians will play the stage spotlight starting at 3 p.m. Acts include Mike Davis, Cassidy Lynn, The Beadle Brothers, Kaitlyn Jackson, and Bucky Covington.