NORWICH – Out with the old and in with the new, say a group of volunteers representing Chenango County’s 60-plus population. And no, it’s not time to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It’s Senior Day at the Chenango County Fair that’s getting the facelift.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, seniors now represent a whopping 23 percent of Chenango County’s population, up nearly 4 percent over the past decade. “So why not take time out to celebrate it?” asks Chenango County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program Director Linda Campbell.

Coining the phrase, “You’re never too old for the Chenango County Fair,” a committee of RSVP volunteers has breathed new spirit into the traditional Thursday as Senior Day at the fair. Since January, the committee – spearheaded by Campbell and volunteer senior Chris Foster of Norwich – has traveled to meet with business owners and seniors in many outlying towns and villages in order to find ways of enticing seniors to attend the fair next week.

“Senior Day is usually just all of Norwich. We really hope to broaden the attendance this year,” said Campbell.

Foster said the group devised three themes: family, health and community, and then talked to businesses and organizations about offering coupons for services and participation in the tent. The result was collecting more than $1,600 worth of free gift certificates and free merchandise.