NORWICH – With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, plans are underway to launch the 2nd annual Music and Balloon Festival in Norwich to celebrate the occasion.

This year’s Music and Balloon Fest takes to the Chenango County Fairgrounds starting at 10 a.m. on July 4. Admission to the event, sponsored by the Elks Club in Norwich, is $5 per person while children ages nine and under get free admittance. Proceeds will benefit the Chenango County Sheriff’s Memorial Education Fund.

With live musical performances scheduled to take the stage throughout the day, several food and craft vendors on hand, flea markets, contests, fireworks and a number of other family friendly attractions, the festival promises a little something for everyone, said event organizers Rick Stark and Debbie Bowers.

Although inclement weather put a damper on last year’s inaugural Music and Balloon Fest, hopes are high for sunny skies this year, said Bowers. Local talent are invited to put their vocals to the test during a karaoke contest, which kicks-off the celebration at 10 a.m., followed by a performance from young rising country artist Kaitlyn Jackson at noon and local “power twang” rockers, the Woodshed Prophets, at 12:30 p.m.