Owego police to host its Village Appreciation Night at the Tioga County Fairgrounds

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(Owego, NY) – Owego Police Department will host its annual Village Appreciation Night on Friday from 5-10 p.m. at the Tioga County Fairgrounds on West Main Street (across from Price Chopper) in Owego.

The event was initiated last year by the police department to celebrate the Owego community, thank first responders and to foster friendly relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The free event is sponsored by local business leaders, including Floyd Hooker Foundation, Tioga State Bank, Upstate Shredding, Cops4 A Cause, Tioga Downs Casino Resort, Greenlight Networks, Owego Fire Department, Visions Federal Credit Union, Price Chopper, Owego Pennysaver, Wagner Lumber, Southern Tier Hardwoods and Scott, Smith and Son.

Besides free food, cooked by local officials, games, giveaways, hay wagon rides, live music, a bonfire and fireworks, there will be face painting and some Halloween themed activities — a pumpkin carving contest and pumpkin painting. Bring pumpkins pre-carved, and prizes will be awarded. A decorative Halloween Tent will offer free gear for children.

Slated to perform throughout the event are Ghosties on Third, a Dave Matthews-inspired band with Joshua Schecter on lead and vocals, Ryan Marchewka on bass, Terry Morey on drums, and Keith Nichols on keyboards.

Following their opening performance at 5 p.m. will be Devon Lawton & The In-Laws, performing a blend of country and rock.

Highlighting the evening will be a return of Stone Senate to Owego. The band, hailing from Nashville, Tenn., performed in 2018 at Owego’s Strawberry Festival. The band’s harmonica player and manager, Chris Sauerbrey, was born and raised in Owego. Made up of members Clint Woolsey, whose father Erv wrote songs and serves as manager for George Strait; James Beau Edwards; David Zettler; Ted Hennington; and Sauerbrey, the band will take the stage at the fairgrounds at approximately 8 p.m., offering a taste of Nashville.

There will also be a “Ghost Ride” by Salter Cycle Service. This fun, haunting ride will lead participants on a trail of haunted places, and return to the fairgrounds to enjoy food and entertainment. Registration is 2:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds, with kickstands up at 3:30 p.m. A donation for the ride will benefit the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park and K9 Maggie, of the Owego Police Department.

First responders and trucks will also be on-hand, offering a touch-a-truck experience for youth. And don’t forget the bonfire at dark.