The 136th Sandwich Fair is set to open Wednesday at the fairgrounds at 15730 Pratt Road in Sandwich.
Aside from some of the traditional attractions – livestock judging, harness racing, carnival rides, music, food stands, tractor pulls, a demolition derby and more – the fair is a place where families and friends meet to share time with one another, organizers said.
Fair hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Visitors will discover a refurbished Home Arts Building at the fairgrounds. According to “The Sandwich Fair Since 1888,” the original structure was built in 1892 but was destroyed by fire in 1905. The same year another building was built, according to the fair’s history book published in 2001 by the Sandwich Fair Association.
“Some of the wood needed to be replaced and both the interior and exterior were painted. It looks beautiful again,” Sandwich Fair Association Board President Larry Dannewitz said.
Every year new trees are planted as well at the site, he added.
4-H livestock and exhibits are some of the main attractions within the buildings at the fairgrounds.
“The 4-H livestock, horticulture, food and arts entries are a big part of our history. There are an estimated 20,000 entries each year,” Dannewitz said.
The Sandwich Fair also offers harness racing, he said.
“We are one of a few fairs that still offers harness racing. Competitors come primarily from the Midwest,” he said.
The fair has dedicated volunteers to make the event a success each year, Dannewitz said.
“It all comes together in September thanks to the superintendents and volunteers who are phenomenal,” he said.
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Country music singer and songwriter Riley Green will be the headliner entertainer at 8 p.m. Friday at the Main Stage.
Dannewitz said he hopes today’s youth will notice the fair’s community spirit that comes together over the five days of the event.
“It’s getting increasingly tough to encourage young people to volunteer at the fair. We encourage our youth to get involved in the fair,” Dannewitz said.
Held yearly from Wednesday to Sunday after Labor Day since 1888, the Sandwich Fair is one of the oldest continuing county fairs in Illinois, organizers said.
Tickets are available at the entrance gate after parking. Parking is included with admission. Entry tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for children 6 to 12 years old and free for children 5 years old and younger. There are also a number of promotional days which offer discounted rates on tickets during the fair.
For more information on the promotional days and other features of the fair, go to https://www.sandwichfair.com/
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.