Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

NORWICH – One of the region’s longest-running traditions, the Chenango County Fair, returns Aug. 12-16 for its 179th year. It will showcase the county’s agricultural heritage while bringing a blend of family-friendly entertainment and new attractions. The Chenango County Agricultural Society has been preparing for it all year.

For the Chenango County Agricultural Society, founded in 1847, the fair’s longevity is a point of pride and a reflection of its mission: to promote public awareness of the agriculture industry, coordinate with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to provide youths with experience in agriculture, and present the annual county fair, providing a place to showcase local livestock, products and entertainment.

“The mission of the Ag Society is to present an annual event where we showcase the agriculture and horticulture of Chenango County for local competition,” said Mary Weidman, president of the Agricultural Society. “And over the years, it’s expanded,” she added.

A nearly two-century tradition going strong

The fair has evolved since its early days, when it moved around the county before settling permanently at the fairgrounds in Norwich. Weidman said harness racing was one of the first major attractions, where local people brought their own animals to race. Now, harness racing draws a large crowd and has become a separate event the day before the fair’s official start date. Eventually, the grandstand was built in the early 1900s, and carnival rides were introduced in the 1920s. Today, the fairgrounds span 35 acres and feature a full midway, livestock barn, exhibition hall, motorsports events and a packed entertainment schedule.

At one of the oldest county fairs in the state, agriculture remains the backbone. 4-H and open exhibitors continue to fill the hall/barn with animals, produce, household arts and floral displays, hoping to win a coveted ribbon. “That’s the aspect that continues annually, and that’s really why the fair exists,” Weidman said.

The fair also receives support from New York State Ag & Markets, like almost all county and local fairs do, according to Weidman. “This year’s Chenango Fair is a participant in the Ag Awareness Program, which New York State Ag & Markets sponsors,” Weidman said. “They give us some additional funds to promote agriculture.”

She explained that Ag & Markets helps the fair pay for premiums and participation in the exhibit areas. Thanks to that support, this year’s fair includes several free agricultural exhibits, including the Tired Iron Ag and Tractor Display, Ryans’ Yak Farm Ag Awareness Exhibit, Robin’s Heavenly Birds and the Garden Club’s Flower Show, among other free activities. The premiums also help cover the awards won by exhibitors.

As Chenango County remains connected to its agricultural heritage, the county fair continues to provide an outlet for recognition of history and hard work.

“People are proud of what they’re growing and producing. The fact that they actually bring it here and spend a week displaying it, and the time that it takes to nurture that; you’ve got to respect all of the time and effort, and love that goes into that,” Weidman said.

Family programming and free admission days

Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 15, are Children’s Days at the fair. These days offer free admission for kids 12 and under, along with discounted ride wristbands from Coleman Brothers Shows.

“This year we’re also doing a passport program,” Weidman explained. “When the kids come on the grounds, they’re going to get a pass card. It has six different sites listed on the grounds.”

The passport program is designed to encourage children to explore agricultural and educational exhibits across the grounds. Completing all six stops on the card earns a free ride ticket.

“In addition to coming and having fun, there are things to see, and do, and learn,” Weidman said.

Wednesday, opening day of the fair, is also a free day for all visitors, sponsored by NBT Bank.

Thursday, Aug. 13, is Senior Day. “We want to offer an opportunity for the seniors 60 and over to have their day at the fair,” Weidman said.

“This year we added free admission for veterans and active military when they provide ID,” Weidman relayed. The new initiative offering free admission to military personnel and veterans was inspired by community feedback and a desire to celebrate the nation’s history of independence.

New attractions join beloved favorites

Fairgoers can expect a mix of returning staples and fresh programming. “Tractor pulls are a stand-by and the demo derby is a given. We always have those because they’re crowd pleasers,” Weidman said.

Opening day sees the annual firefighters parade. The parade begins at 7 p.m., taking off near the high school on Midland Drive and heading to the fairgrounds. Spectators can watch from the streets, then take advantage of the free admission on opening day. Coleman Brothers Shows, the fair’s longtime carnival provider, returns again this year despite a recent death in the family.

One of the new additions this year is the Dinosaur Takeover Show, which was described as a multipart attraction featuring educational shows, a fossil tent and a themed miniature golf course. “So it’s going to be fun for the kids and also an educational piece,” Weidman said. A show will be held each day of the fair at varying times, sponsored by Steel Sales Inc.

The entertainment tent will host a full lineup of musical artists, including October Rose, The Revival, the Jessie Kay Band, Krystal Lee, an Elvis tribute, Nashville recording artist Joseph Hosey, The Burned Over Revival and more throughout the week. Also in the entertainment tent at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, East Coast Wrestling is coming to the Chenango County Fair. “That’s going to be interesting. It’s a free show in the entertainment tent,” said Weidman, who mentioned that the fair had not had a wrestling show in quite a while and fair organizers hope it draws a crowd.

“We try to offer something different every year that not every fair is going to have in rotation,” Weidman said.

As mentioned, tractor pulls and the demo derby remain cornerstones of fair week. Tractor pulls can be seen Thursday and Saturday. The New York Tractor Pullers Association (NYTPA) is scheduled to be there at 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, giving fairgoers a chance to see high-powered tractor and truck pulls, a personal favorite of Weidman, who once competed herself.

Fireworks, sponsored by Rentals to Go, will go off Friday at dusk. What follows is what fair organizers call Midnight Madness, when the carnival stays running until midnight.

In addition, Saturday and Sunday will feature a Western and an English horse show that are still being planned.

The Demolition Derby, produced by Rifanburg Racing Promotions, closes out the fair Sunday.

With its mix of heritage and new experiences, the 179th Chenango County Fair aims to offer something for everyone. From families exploring agriculture and motorsports fans packing the grandstand to gardeners entering floral displays and kids staying up late for Midnight Madness, the fair remains a cherished community event.

“It’s a central opportunity in Norwich for people to get together, have some fun, have some good food and take a look at all the different things that they remember about home and just enjoy themselves,” Weidman said.