Ag Minute: Sangamon County Fair Highlights Agriculture

The 75th Sangamon County Fair will be held in New Berlin, June 11-15, 2025. Many people look forward to the fair for the carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, and queen pageant. However, the fair also provides an opportunity to showcase local agricultural pursuits as well as other hobbies. The fair includes exhibits ranging from livestock, horticulture, and culinary creations to fine art and unique collections. There are many ways to participate for adults and children. Exhibit registration is currently open. Paper entries must be postmarked by Friday, May 23rd or dropped off in the office or in the mailbox outside the office by noon on Saturday, May 24th. On-line registration closes Friday, May 30th.

The Sangamon County Fair provides a fun, family-friendly activity in June every year. The fair wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who give of their time. One of those volunteers is Becky Sander. Becky is one of 23 directors who plan, organize, and manage the fair activities. Becky explains that when she first became a director over 30 years ago, it was initially just a great opportunity for her to volunteer and help the community. Over time and with all the different exhibits and entries, Becky notes that it is “so nice to get more people involved in the fair. More entries create the opportunity for more ribbons and the chance to make a child smile.”  

Livestock exhibitions include beef, sheep, swine, rabbit, and goat. There will not be a poultry show this year. The Junior Agricultural Products category is open to persons under 18 years old who can show their creativity with fruit and vegetable art, including designing a Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head using fruits and vegetables or creating a patriotic arrangement using red, white & blue fruits or vegetables. For those over 18, there is a Senior Agricultural Products category where exhibits must be grown by the exhibitor. The culinary category has options ranging from cookies and cakes to pickles and salsa. The Senior Culinary category includes a “Men Only” category for cookies and cakes. 

Some of the most unique entries come in the Hobbies and Handicraft category. The Junior Hobbies and Handicraft category is open to individuals under 18 years old. Potential submissions include scrapbooks, collections ranging from sports cards and comics to sea shells and rocks, and handcrafted items, ranging from woodworking and paper mache to Lego constructions. There is also a Senior Hobbies and Handicraft category for individuals 18 years old and older. The senior division includes a Collector’s Corner, ceramics, woodworking, and other types of handicraft. 

To learn more about exhibiting or to register an exhibit, please visit https://www.sangcofair.com/entries.html.