Norwich welcomed the opening of 178th Chenango County Fair on Wednesday with a firefighters’ parade that included 4-H groups highlighting agriculture. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH - The 178th annual Chenango County Fair continues Thursday with a full lineup of agricultural competitions, youth shows, and midway attractions as the five-day event enters its second full day.

The fair officially opened Wednesday afternoon, kicking off with the annual firefighters' parade, which stepped off at 7 p.m., heading down East Main Street and onto the fairgrounds.

The Coleman Brothers Shows have returned this year with daily rides and games. Wristbands are available for all-day access. The company is also co-sponsoring Friday night’s fireworks display at 9 p.m., along with Rentals to Go, American Fireworks Displays, and the Chenango County Fair.

Thursday’s schedule includes animal exhibits and youth contests.

Morning events include the youth goat show at 9 a.m., followed by agricultural judging at 10 a.m. for vegetables, fruits, grains, maple products, herbs, crafts and flowers.

The 4-H poultry show begins at 11 a.m., and the Cloverbud poultry show follows at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m., both the 4-H dairy goat showmanship contest and the grandstand stock car races will get underway.

The day is 4-H Dairy Show Day, with ring-side demonstrations running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Case 4-H building, where dairy ambassadors will exhibit their animals and interact with visitors.

Mary Weidman, Chair of the Chenango County Agricultural Society Board, said fairgoers can expect a mix of new and familiar offerings this year, with expanded programs in youth agriculture. “The farm crop show is expanded. FFA and the youth activities are bigger as well,” said Weidman. “4-H have indicated that they have more exhibits than they’ve ever had before because it's expanded. Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H have always been an integral part of the fair because they get the youth involved.”

The dairy promotion barn is also hosting daily interactive events near the Case 4-H building.

On Friday at 3 p.m., visitors can attend “What Do Cows Eat?” - a hands-on lesson in livestock feed where participants can explore cow rations and make an edible version to try.

Saturday’s 3 p.m. feature is “Exercise & Chocolate Milk,” which includes games and activities followed by chocolate milk samples.

On Sunday at 3 p.m., the week wraps up with Dairy Trivia Time, where guests can test their knowledge, win prizes and learn more about dairy farming. All dairy promotion activities are organized by local farmers and are open to the public.

Headline acts throughout the week include The Flying Wallendas, Pork Chop Revue, October Rose, and The Amish Outlaws. Additional grandstand events include Thursday night’s New York State Tractor Pull Association event, Friday’s midnight madness, Saturday’s tractor and truck pulls, and the demolition derby closing out the fair on Sunday at 3 p.m.

The 4-H Livestock Auction, one of the fair’s key agricultural events, will take place Saturday at 5 p.m. in the Follett Show Ring. Local 4-H youth will auction animals raised throughout the year, including poultry, goats, lambs, hogs and beef steers. Proceeds support youth programs.

Sunday will feature the antique tractor parade at 1 p.m., followed by the final demolition derby grandstand event.

The Chenango County Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 10, at the fairgrounds, 168 East Main St., Norwich. For ticket details, ride wristbands, and full daily schedules, visit ccechenango.org or follow the Chenango County Fair Facebook page.