History

While you’re at the fair, grab some history.

If you’ve come to love the Sandwich Fair, you’ve probably come to love its history.


History Timeline

2018
2010-2017
2000-2009
1990-1999
1980-1989
1970-1979
1960-1969
1950-1959
1940-1949
1930-1939
1920-1929
1910-1919
1900-1909
1890-1899
1880-1889

2018

Want to learn more about this year’s fair?

2018 Sandwich Fair

2010-2017

Headliners at the main stage: Justin Moore, Chris Cagle and Dustin Lynch, Easton Corbin and Back Country Roads, Brett Eldredge, and Frankie Ballard.
The wood section of the grandstand is closed and the 100-year-old grandstand is torn down.
New entertainment includes a hot air balloon, the duck races, and the Lumberjack Show, and a new hospitality Pavilion is built, sponsored by Heartland Bank.

2000-2009

Sandwich Fair is known for the longevity of its vendors. Log Cabin, famous for homemade pie, (operated by United Church of Sandwich) has been at the fair 75 years; St. Paul’s Catholic Church stand for 50 years, Otto’s train for 55 years, Open Door Rehabilitation Center for 45 years, FFA Zoo for 40 years, King & Sons Monuments for 90 years. Admission is $8. Thirty-two acres was added for parking. A new main office was built, and a Fair Museum opened.

1990-1999

Twenty new trees planted each year. Entertainments included first old time fiddle contest, bands at Ag Land Stage, and WGN noon shows. Fairgrounds had grown to 170 acres.

1980-1989

Fair Board President Carlton “Dutch” Hough received Outstanding County Fair Award and State Fair Person of the Year Award. A decade of improvements: copper water lines installed in the buildings, blacktop by front and west gates.

1970-1979

Racing ostriches returned to entertain the crowds. The decade saw record attendances of near 136,000.

1960-1969

Fay’s chicken and pork chop BBQ was introduced. Attendance increased when hundreds came on Burlington steam train excursion from Chicago on Saturday and Sunday; round trip fare was $4.65.

1950-1959

Rides were 9 cents on Children’s Day; gate admission was 60 cents; a season ticket was $2. Improvements included a new midway with lighting and improved women’s restrooms.

1940-1949

Visitors were entertained with a three-ring circus and vaudeville performers. Special exhibits were Victory Gardens and camera club photos. Poultry shows for the entire U.S. were suspended by Dept. of Agriculture.

1930-1939

For the first time, commercial exhibitors paid for a space. Hard times resulted in smaller crowds at the fair. For the 50th Anniversary in 1937, buildings were painted white and “put in first-class” shape.

1920-1929

Electricity to the grounds made it possible for the fair to continue into the night. Some years there were fireworks every night. Fairgoers competed in horseshoes and ballgames.

1910-1919

Entertainment included automobile and motorcycle races, flying machines, and high-wire acts. A manure spreader displayed by Sandwich Mfg. Co. was a popular exhibit.

1900-1909

During this decade, attendance grew to over 22,000. Sandwich residents were encouraged to have the city “looking nice” to give a good opinion.

1890-1899

Improvements were made that included a large dining hall, a regulation racetrack, horse barns, exhibit buildings, and a grandstand.

1880-1889

Local livestock group purchased 20 acres of land and the first Sandwich Fair was held in September.


Main Stage Concert Performers Through The Years

Montgomery Gentry 2001
Trace Adkins 2004
Gary Allan 2005
Blake Shelton 2006
Luke Bryan 2007
Billy Currington 2008
38 Special 2008
Craig Morgan 2011
Justin Moore 2012
Dustin Lynch 2013
Easton Corbin 2014
Brett Eldredge 2015
Frankie Ballard 2016
Old Dominion 2017
Justin Moore 2018
Scotty McCreery 2019
Chris Janson 2021
Trace Adkins 2022
Jordan Davis 2023
Riley Green 2024

History Museum

Visit the fair museum while at the fair!

Located west of Otto’s train and south of the windmill in the 1892 dark green Secretary’s Office, it’s one of the oldest buildings on the grounds.

On display is a timeline from the beginning of the Fair until 2000, items that were given away or sold at past fairs, and items from a different area collector each year.

The museum is a stop for Activity Book stamping and has DVD’s running on a TV from years past. New items are continually being donated, so there is always something new to view and friendly hosts to greet fairgoers and help answer questions.


Sandwich History Book

THE SANDWICH FAIR SINCE 1888: DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Written and compiled for the 125th anniversary of the Sandwich Fair.

Editor — Vivian C. Wright, Ed D
Project Coordination — Karen Breunig
Photo Coordination — Jackie Dannewitz
Research Verification — Joan Hardekopf
Research Support — Don and Doug Stahl

HISTORY OF SANDWICH AND THE DEKALB COUNTY FAIR

Come take a look at the history of Sandwich from its beginnings in the mid-1850s to today. First known as Newark Station, the town’s name was changed to Sandwich in 1856 by Congressman John Wentworth, after his hometown in New Hampshire. Wentworth was instrumental in getting the railroad to stop here. Sandwich, surrounded by the fairest and most fertile country, was advertised in 1892 as one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in northern Illinois. Its agricultural implements, made by the Sandwich Manufacturing Company and Enterprise Company, were shipped worldwide. Sandwich is now known for its annual county fair, antique shows, and shopping.

About the author: Joan Bark Hardekopf is a longtime resident of the community. Her family roots date back to the earliest farms. Along with members of the Sandwich Historical Society, Hardekopf is pleased to present this book as part of the 150th celebration of Sandwich. Royalties will help fund the sesquicentennial in 2009.

View on Amazon


Yearly Fair Pins

2021
2021
2020
2020
2019
2019
2018
2018
2017
2017
2016
2016
2015
2015
2014
2014
2013
2013
2012
2012
2011
2011
2010
2010
2009
2009
2008
2008
2007
2007
2006
2006
2005
2005
2004
2004
2003
2003
2002
2002
2001
2001
2000
2000
1999
1999
1998
1998
1997
1997
1996
1996
1995
1995
1994
1994
1993
1993

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Sandwich Fair Windmill

This is a rendition of the original windmill given to the fair in 1997

2016

1945 Grandstand Ticket Office

A grandstand ticket office was built in 1945. In 1970 it was moved to Gate 4 on Suydam Road when a larger ticket office was built. The original building (now Main Stage Ticket Office) is used today for main stage and, track and infield ticket sales.

2015

Collections Building

The present Collections Building (#52) was opened in 1997. Prior to this, displays were exhibited in the Arts and Crafts Building. You will find antiques, nature collections, carnival glass, porcelain dolls, belt buckles, and so many more categories of collections. Art by Jackie Dannewitz.

2014

Burlington Northern Caboose

In 1997 Burlington-Northern donated a caboose—a relic of the nation’s railroad age. In 1998 it was remodeled to serve as an office for the electricians. Art by Jackie Dannewitz

2013

The Farm Zoo

The Farm Zoo was started in 1967 by Fair Director Milford Clausen in cooperation with instructors and local Future Farmers of America chapters from Sandwich, Shabbona, Somonauk, and Waterman. Part of the 1880 sheep barn was remodeled to house the zoo. Art by Jackie Dannewitz

2012

Original Secretary’s Office

To celebrate the 126th Sandwich Fair, the original Secretary’s Office is featured on the 2013 pin. There are many displays of Fair memorabilia and collections. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz

2011

Ticket Office

For the second time, the original Ticket Office was featured on the 2011 pin. Built in 1897, it was located at the Main entrance on Suydam Road just around the bend from the present Secretary’s Office. It is now located at Gate 5. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2010

Tractor Pulls

Fans have attended the popular tractor pulls held at the Fair since 1965. The pulls originally took place in front of the grandstand on the racetrack. A new 300 foot track was installed in 1997, just inside the racetrack. The 2010 pin shows one of these sophisticated pulling tractors. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2009

Antique Farm Machinery

Gas engines and farm machinery have been on display at the Fair for over a century. The 2009 pin reminds fairgoers of days gone by. Gas engines and antique farm machinery are displayed inside the train track. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2008

Cornucopia

The cornucopia shown on the 2008 pin boasts prize winning produce exhibited at each Fair. Today’s premium book lists over 500 open and junior entry choices in the horticulture department. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2007

Secretary’s Office

Built in the same year, the Secretary’s Office was featured on the 2007 pin. It is located on the southeast corner of the Fairgrounds and used year round by the Fair Secretary, staff, and directors. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2006

Dairy Barn

The Dairy Barn dates back to 1880. It’s the oldest building in use on the Fairgrounds. In 1925, it was moved 30 feet to the east. An addition was added in 1992, and a lean-to in 1996. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2005

Home Arts Building

The Home Arts Building appears for the third time on the Fair pin! Fairgoers were treated to birthday cake to celebrate this building’s 100th birthday. Over the years this building has been called Floral Hall, Industrial Hall, Women’s Building, and presently the Home Arts Building. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2004

Hog Barn

Built in 1904, the Hog Barn was featured on the 2004 pin to celebrate its 100th birthday. Additions were made to this building in 1922 and 1956. A covered show ring was added in 1985. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2003

Otto’s Train

The iconic Otto’s Train has offered rides to families since 1953. The Iron Pony was replaced in 1974 by a Burlington 3000 replica. Both trains were built by Augie Otto of Sandwich. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2002

Gazebo

Located just north of the Home Arts Building, the Gazebo provides information to fairgoers as well as a variety of official Sandwich Fair Souvenirs. It was built in 1993. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz

2001

Harness Racing

Harness racing has been an attraction during the Fair since it began. The original half mile track, just south of the present racetrack was in place in 1888. Today’s racetrack was installed in 1891. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

2000

Home Arts Building

The Home Arts Building was again the subject of the 2000 fair pin. Located in the center of the Fairgrounds, it has been a meeting place for fairgoers for many years. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz

1999

Horse Barn

The Horse Barn is located at the entrance of Gate 4. The race horses housed in this building for most of the year are relocated, so the poultry exhibits can move in during the Fair. The Horse Barn was built in 1914. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz.

1998

Windmill

The Roy LaBolle Family of Somonauk donated the 1920 windmill to the Fair in 1970. The original well was dug in 1939 by L. R. Evans, but is no longer in use. The windmill, with its multicolored fan blades, has become an icon of the Sandwich Fair. Drawing by Jackie Dannewitz

1997

Grandstand

The Grandstand was built in 1913 for a cost of $5,250. Additional bleachers were added to the west end in 1927 and the reserved section was added in 1946. Drawing by Quen Carpenter.

1996

Horticulture Building

The octagon shaped Horticulture Building was rebuilt in 1931 and resembles the structure that burned that same year due to leaf burning. An addition was built on the east side in 1957. Drawing by Quen Carpenter.

1995

Round Office

The Round Office was moved to its present location in 1906. It was built in 1900 and believed to have been used as a bandstand and judges stand or timers stand at the racetrack. This is the first of many pins that is shaped like the building it depicts. Drawing by Quen Carpenter.

1994

Original Ticket Office

This enameled pin shows the original Ticket Office (built in the late 1800”s) and gates which are now located at Gate 5 on the west end of the Fairgrounds. Drawing by Quen Carpenter.

1993

Home Arts Building

The very first Fair pin featured the Home Arts Building. This building, built in 1905, is home to both open and junior culinary and needlework exhibits. This year also marks the first year the Fair sold “official” Sandwich Fair Souvenirs. Drawing by Quen Carpenter.