2008 Sandwich Fair Souvenirs

By Vivian C. Wright, Ed.D.

Souvenirs go on sale at the Gazebo at 9 a.m. the first day of the DeKalb County [Sandwich] Fair. This year there are several new items to add to your collections.

Many of this year’s items display a symbol representative of northern Illinois harvests and the many horticulture exhibitor entries at the fair—a bountiful cornucopia. The main item is a 4 ½” bud vase in a Dijon yellow color. Other items with the horn of plenty design are a pumpkin colored ceramic mug, a stoneware magnet, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and the 2008 lapel/hat pin. The vase and magnet may be viewed at www.clothandclay.com; click “accent items” bud vase and magnet.

Continuing the tradition that began in 2004, the Gazebo will sell a soft-stuffed animal designed by Glory Be. This year’s animal is a rabbit named “Jack.”  A few animals from previous years will also be on sale.

Several items are returning this year. Popular with fairgoers of all ages is the blinking rainbow glow-light ballpoint pen imprinted with “The Sandwich Fair since 1888.” It has a clear plastic base allowing the neon-like colors to shine through. Tote bags are also available.

Sandwich Fair flags are available in two styles, the Windmill and a Racehorse. An authentic reproduction of the 1900 premium book is for sale. This 62-page book includes local advertising and graphics.

T-shirts are available in birch and California blue colors (S to XXXL). Crew neck sweatshirts are khaki or birch colors (S to XXXL). The sweatshirts include a hooded, pullover style in Texas rust orange (S to XXXL). All the outerwear has the cornucopia imprint. The embroidered cap is gray with a dark bill with a windmill design.

Note cards featuring birdhouses and Sandwich Fair stamp cancellations are available as well as small and large postcards. All artwork on the various pieces is by local artist Jackie Dannewitz.

Fairgoers can enjoy the fair all year long by purchasing a copy of the history of the fair, a 326-page hardcover coffee table book, The Sandwich Fair Since 1888. It records the fair from 1888 to 2000 and contains more than 700 images of exhibits and area residents who have made the Sandwich Fair an annual tradition.

These items may be purchased only at the Gazebo located just north of the Home Arts Building near the WSPY broadcasting tent from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the fair.