2021 New York State Dairy Princess Shelby Benjamin participating in the August 11 parade kicking off the 174th annual Chenango County Fair. Benjamin was crowned as NYS Dairy Princess earlier this year, and her reign will run until February 2022. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Fair began Wednesday with the Fireperson’s Parade. Wednesday was also free admission day. For nearly two centuries, the Chenango County Fair has been a showcase of the area’s agricultural roots. 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.

Thursday's fair schedule, August 12

10 a.m. - Chenango County Tractor Pull (Grandstand)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Senior Day Music and Entertainment, Bingo, Drawings, Displays (Entertainment Tent)

1-2 p.m. - Senior Day Music Elvis (Aric McKown) (Entertainment Tent)

4 p.m. - Krystal Lee “Country Sweetheart” (C.J. Husted Stage)

5:30 p.m. - Elvis (Aric McKown) (C.J. Husted Stage)

6 p.m. - Real Time Dixieland Band (M&T Entertainment Tent)

7 p.m. - Caitlin May and Eric Ashley (C.J. Husted Stage)

7 p.m. - ESP Tractor Pull (Grandstand)

9 p.m. - Movie (C.J. Husted Stage)

Chee Chee – (Walking Talent)

Extreme Sculpting – Chris Lantz (Wood Carver) (Rear of the Grandstand)