Sandwich Fair returns next month, here’s what you need to know

The countdown is on for the opening of the 134th annual Sandwich Fair. Here’s what you need to know to start making your plans to visit this year’s fair.

When

Wednesday Sept. 7 through Sunday Sept. 11.

Hours of the fair will be 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Where

15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich, DeKalb County.

Cost

Admission costs $10 an adult and $7 a child age 6 to 12, free for children 5 and younger. Five-day season tickets are available for $25 an adult, and $10 a child ages 6 to 12.

Promotional deals for entry

Wednesday, Sept. 7, is kids day, where admission for children 12 and younger is free all day.

Thursday, Sept. 8, is senior day, where guests 65 and older get in for $7 before 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 9, is bargain day, where children 12 and under get in free, and entry for guests 13 and older is $7 until 5 p.m.

After 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, all entry fees will be $7.

Ticketed events

All main stage and track events are ticketed separately, except for Wednesday’s events.

Wednesday, Sept. 7, will feature harness racing and Illinois state radio controlled car and truck racing championships.

Thursday, Sept. 8, will feature the National Tractor Pullers Association truck pull from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will cost $20 an adult and $5 a child.

On Friday, Sept. 9, Trace Adkins will take the stage from 8 to 10 p.m. Admission to the stage pit area (standing only) will cost $40, while general admission (standing and bleacher seating) will cost $30.

Saturday, Sept. 10, will feature the NTPA tractor pulls from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m., and will cost $20 an adult and $5 a child.

Sunday, Sept. 11, will feature the demolition derby from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m., and will cost $15 an adult and $5 a child.

Ride Tickets

Rides will cost between three and six tickets. Single tickets are $1.50, a sheet of 20 tickets is $25 and a sheet of 50 tickets costs $60.

Wristbands also are available for sale at the fair, and will grant unlimited access for a single day, with varying time restrictions.

On Wednesday, Sept. 7, wristbands will cost $25, and will work from 3 p.m. to close.

On Thursday Sept. 8, wristbands will cost $30 and work from 1 p.m. to close.

On Friday, Sept. 9, wristbands will cost $30 and work from noon to 5 p.m.

No wristbands will be available Saturday, Sept. 10.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, wristbands will cost $30 and work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wristbands are available for purchase online prior to the fair for $25 plus a $2.99 service fee. The discounted rate is available online until midnight Sept. 6, and is not valid Saturday.

Included in admission

Each day of the fair will feature lumberjack shows, live music, livestock judging, a farm zoo, exhibits, competitions and plenty of fair food throughout the day.

Sept. 7 through 9 will feature a variety of culinary competitions including: cinnamon bread, chicken pot pie, chili, salsa and more.

The auto show will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, on the race track infield from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration will be 8 a.m. to noon the day of the event and costs $15. All cars are eligible through 1990.

The Ag Land stage will have free live music, and entertainment acts will be performed at various locations throughout the fair.

Parking is free, and food is allowed. However, no outside alcohol will be permitted. Dogs will not be allowed.

For information and a list of vendors and musicians, visit the Sandwich Fair website, www.sandwichfair.com/faireventschedule, or see the daily event schedule.