Verified Highlight
The DeKalb County-based Sandwich Fair drew an estimated 184,682 visitors over its five-day run in 2025 — its best showing in years despite a rain-soaked opening day. Held annually since 1888, it bills itself as the oldest continuously running fair in the Midwest and consistently draws the largest number of exhibitor entries of any fair in the state.
Source: WCSJ News / Shaw LocalWhat to Expect
Expect champion livestock shows, harness racing, 4-H and FFA competitions, a large midway, outstanding food vendors, and the full traditional county fair experience that has made the Sandwich Fair legendary.
Visitor Tips
The Sandwich Fair has been held annually since 1888 and is famous for maintaining genuine agricultural traditions — harness racing, enormous livestock barns, and fresh farm food define this classic Illinois fair.
About Sandwich Fair
In Sandwich, the Sandwich Fair is a five-day mid-September celebration in DeKalb County, one of Illinois's most beloved and historically significant county fairs drawing over 200,000 visitors annually. The fair got its start in 1888 and has remained an Illinois agricultural mainstay ever since.
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