NORWICH – There will be a gathering of local grassroots groups, concerned citizens, and candidates the afternoon and evening of Saturday, Oct. 27 in downtown Norwich for the “Rally to Protect Our Towns.” The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with participation in the annual YMCA Halloween Parade on Broad Street, followed by the program in the East Park from 3-6 p.m. and concluding, starting at 7, with live music, dancing, and celebrating in the Elks Lodge, 14 E. Main. Both Dan Lamb and Howard Leib, running in local elections will speak at the rally.

The parade entry features marchers and dancers with signs representing all the Chenango county towns and the city of Norwich, accompanying a float titled: “Beautiful Chenango County: Clean Air and Water” carrying performing drummers. Costumes can also be expected.

Next the public rally starts in the East Park, center Norwich. It has a full inspirational and informative agenda including a poet, a songwriter-musician, reporting from towns through out the county, music, and the blending of Chenango’s waters activity. Included will be the appearance of Howard Leib, candidate for the 51st New York State Senate District, and Dan Lamb, who is running for Congress in a redrawn 22nd CD.

The finale of the day’s events commences at 7 p.m. across the street at the Elks facility (where lodge food is available to purchase), and features the live music of the popular area bands, “Fetish Lane” and “Zydeco Trail Riders,” for socializing and dancing.

This three part gathering, dubbed “Frack Free Chenango,” is the fourth event of a series of “Rolling Rallies” across the five Southern Tier counties of Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Chemung and Steuben; known as the ‘sacrifice zone’ where natural gas drilling could be permitted initially. It is organized and sponsored by the umbrella group, Chenango CDOGG (gasdrillinginfo@gmail.com).