NORWICH – “It’s getting close.”

That’s what Chenango County Fair Director Mary Weidman said last week amidst the hustle and bustle at the fairgrounds as volunteer work crews were digging in to prepare for the upcoming exposition.

“We have a lot of community groups, volunteers and fair board members taking an interest in doing the work,” Weidman said, as teenagers from The Place and Beautify Chenango County removed debris and cleaned up around the grandstands. “It’s what makes it all work.”

The fair will open for the 160th time with the Fireman’s Parade and a free admission night on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and run until Sunday, Aug. 12. The ticket offices on East Main Street are open and passes and advance tickets are also on sale at all local NBT locations.

The fairgrounds saw several major improvements in the last year. Off-season highlights included upgraded electrical systems and the addition of all-new metal seating inside the grand stand, which received a new roof last year.

“It’s safer now, more secure,” Weidman said. “It will also increase the crowd capacity.”

A work crew from Camp Pharsalia also recently finished adding fresh coats of paint to the horse, goat and cattle barns, with supplies donated by Canal Street Hardware in Oxford, while board members have taken on landscaping projects in the agricultural area.

Wednesday, the “Leafy Green” 4-Hers from Greene were out planting flowers.