Greetings from Florida … I am here in Florida, pet sitting for my high school friend, Felicia (Schleicher) Birgenheier, formerly of Boonville. Felicia and her husband Jeff Birgenheier, formerly of Brantingham, along with their girls, Zoe and Paige, are enjoying a beautiful trip to see their oldest daughter, Madiline, and her family in Italy. 

Congratulations to the Adirondack Wildcat varsity baseball team for making it to their first state semifinals since 1986. They may not have bought back the “big W,” but in our hearts, they are all winners. It took a lot of dedication and hard work by all the players, coaches and, of course, let’s not forget the parents.

The Adirondack Central School spelling bee winners at Boonville and West Leyden elementary schools are: Boonville, 1st place, Claire Weber, 2nd, Abigail Moore, and 3rd, Olivia Kenealy; West Leyden, 1st, Kyra Baker, 2nd, Bryce Ely, and 3rd, Jaiden Perry. The top three winners advance to the Oneida County spelling bee at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair this summer.

Speaking of the fair, soon it will be that time of year where fair goers gather for some good old country fun at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair. This year is the 134th fair and the theme is “Let the Good Times Grow.” The fair officially kicks off Tuesday, July 26, with a 7 p.m. parade, followed by fireworks by Majestic at dusk. You can join Tuesday’s festivities with a special offer. All you have to do is “Shop Oneida County” and bring your receipt, dated July 18-26, for $10 or more, from one of the participating businesses and you will have free admission to the fair after 5 p.m. on July 26. So, make sure you save your receipts.

Also, once again this year, the fair will have the support of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. They will be at the fair daily to provide child ID and drone team demonstrations. So make sure to stop in and see them. The Dynamo Dogs will be having free shows at this year’s fair. This is canine entertainment the whole family will enjoy. All these four-legged tricksters are rescue dogs, performing twice daily in the amphitheater.

The Fair Association is excited once again to partner with 4-H and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The 4-H will have many educational displays around the grounds, as well as a variety of cattle, horses, goats, swine and sheep. At noon on Sunday, July 31, there will be open and 4-H Aberdeen Angus and Highland Beef shows. Special grandstand events take place every day at the fair. Stay tuned to this newspaper for more details as the fair dates get closer.

Until next week, have a beautiful and blessed week, filled with love and laughter.

Email Cherie Gettman at: boonvilleschatter@yahoo.com