Sandwich Fair souvenir sale will begin on fair’s first day

Sandwich Fair souvenirs go on sale at the gazebo about 9:30 a.m. after the fair’s opening ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 8, the first day of the fair. The gazebo is north of the Home Arts Building.

This year’s souvenirs highlight the new Farm Zoo building completed for the 2019 fair. The zoo started in 1967 in a 1880 structure originally built for sheep. Today, the zoo is staffed by local FFA members who showcase their animals for children and adults to enjoy. The zoo is depicted on many of this year’s souvenirs.

The custom-made pottery by Deneen of St. Paul, Minnesota, is red with marble glaze. Other collectibles are a red mug, ceramic magnet and two die-cut maple ornaments; one is of natural wood and the other is painted.

On sale, commemorating the 2020 Fair that didn’t happen is a pin/postcard. The 2021 lapel pin shows a detail of the Home Arts Building. Pins from past years also are available.

A limited number of Glory Be, soft-stuffed plush animals from previous years will be available at sale prices.

The ball caps are red. T-shirts and sweatshirts come in two colors. The short sleeve is marine blue, the long sleeve is red. The red sweatshirt has a quarter zip. Toddler and youth shirts are red. Onesies and baby T-shirts are natural heather. All adult shirts come in sizes S to XXXL. Children’s sizes are 2T to L.

Several items are returning this year: “A Fabulous Fair” alphabet book, postcards, and note cards. Artwork on the items is by local artist Jackie Dannewitz.

Souvenirs may be seen on the fair website at sandwichfair.com and on display at local businesses, libraries, and banks: Leo’s Trophies and the Fair Office in Sandwich; libraries in Sandwich, Somonuak, and Newark; Resource Bank in Somonauk; and Heartland Banks in Sandwich, Somonauk, Millbrook, DeKalb and Newark.