: The basis for the fair is still agricultural education but it’s also a place where people come to greet each other, as they did in the early days, according to Larry Dannewitz, Sandwich Fair Association president. (Photo by Chris Hibbert/for Chronicle Media)

What began as an event to show off crops and watch horseracing — way back in 1888 — has evolved into a massive, five-day extravaganza that attracts up to 200,000 people a year.

It’s the annual Sandwich Fair, which celebrates 128 years of existence with the 2015 version, set to run Sept. 9-13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

“We try to have something for everyone, and we seem to have a handle on that,” said Sandwich Fair Association President Larry Dannewitz, who’s held the post since 1989. “It’s quite a varied event. It has a unique, old-fashioned, old-time feeling, and it continues to grow every year. I always say, one of our advantages is that there are some things you can only see at the Sandwich Fair. To me, the food, the smells, the atmosphere … it’s a magical feeling, and a glimpse into when times were a little simpler and slow-paced.”

The seemingly endless list of activities and attractions is provided in great detail at www.sandwichfair.com, which also includes a thorough map, likely necessary to navigate the site’s 186 total acres.

Some of the fair’s staples include originals, such as harness racing, as well as longtime favorites, including a carnival with rides, truck and tractor pulls, and an antique train ride. The latter features a model replica of an old steam train, running on a 1/8-mile track.

“That’s a mainstay,” Dannewitz said. “Many of us remember riding that train as kids, and it’s the same train — and the same family running it. People stand in line to ride it.”

Attractions include culinary competitions and cooking demonstrations, live music, livestock judging, a farm zoo, strolling acts (including jugglers and stilt walkers), comedy shows, arts and crafts demonstrations, vintage baseball, antique farm machinery and a Western horse show. The Fun For Kids area features an appearance by Marvin the Fair Moose (in conjunction with a free activity book), Maggie the Milking Cow (a fiberglass replica of a real milk cow), and continuous appearances by entertainers Buttons the Clown and Carrie McQueen.

Dannewitz said another popular attraction is staged by Indian Valley Theatre Melodramas, a local theatrical group.

“They write their own scripts and perform melodramas, like old-time movie serials,” Dannewitz said. “People really enjoy it.”

Daily general admission to the fair is $9 (adults), $5 (children ages 6-12), and free (children ages 5 and under), with the exception of Children Free Day (Sept. 9; ages 12 and under), Senior Citizens Bargain Day (Sept. 10; $5 until 5 p.m.), and Bargain Day & Armed Forces Day (Sept. 11; free for everyone until 5 p.m., and free for military personnel with proper identification).

Certain attractions — including separate NPTA truck and tractor pulls, Demolition Derbies, and a concert performance by country music star Brett Eldredge — require additional fees.

“The basis for the fair is still agricultural education but it’s also a place where people come to greet each other, as they did in the early days,” Dannewitz said. “This has a different feeling to it. It’s a people-oriented event, and that’s fun to watch.”

The Sandwich Fair is located near the intersection of Somonauk Road and Pratt Road. For detailed directions, visit the website. For more information, call (815) 786-2159.

— Sandwich Fair celebrates 128 years with wide range of activities —