Overview of the Sangamon County Fair
The Sangamon County Fair in New Berlin, USA, is one of Illinois’ most anticipated annual events, particularly recognized for its extensive agricultural machinery exhibits. This fair has a long-standing reputation for showcasing innovation, tradition, and community spirit. Each year, it draws thousands of farmers, agribusiness professionals, suppliers, machinery manufacturers, and visitors who are passionate about the future of farming. It is a must-attend event for anyone involved in agriculture or rural development.
Venue and event details
The Sangamon County Fairgrounds, located in New Berlin, Illinois, serves as the venue for this large-scale event. The fairgrounds are known for their spacious layout, ideal for accommodating heavy machinery exhibits, livestock shows, vendor booths, and entertainment zones.
- Venue: Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670, USA
- Date: Annually in mid-June (typically around the second or third week)
- Duration: 5 Days
- Entry Fees: General admission is affordable, ranging between $5 to $10 per day depending on age and day of entry. Children under a certain age often receive free entry. Certain exhibitions, such as grandstand concerts or VIP machinery demos, may require separate ticket purchases.
Agricultural machinery focus
A key attraction of the fair is its agricultural machinery showcase, which draws in top industry players and local manufacturers. Attendees can expect to find:
- Tractors from leading brands like John Deere, Case IH, and Kubota
- Harvesting equipment and demonstration plots showing machines in action
- Seeders, sprayers, and precision farming tools
- Drones and digital farming solutions
- Parts suppliers, repair service vendors, and aftermarket accessories
These exhibits not only display machinery but also offer hands-on experiences, product launches, demonstrations, and expert-led discussions on agricultural technology advancements.
Product categories exhibited
- Agricultural tractors and combines
- Tillage and seeding machinery
- Irrigation systems
- Grain storage and transport solutions
- GPS-guided agricultural software
- Livestock handling equipment
- Soil monitoring tools and smart sensors
- Green energy solutions for farms
Visitor profile and expected footfall
The Sangamon County Fair annually welcomes over 25,000+ visitors, with the agricultural machinery sector being one of the strongest attendance magnets. The visitor base typically includes:
- Farmers and ranchers
- Equipment dealers and distributors
- Agronomy professionals
- Government agricultural officers
- Agricultural college students and educators
- Technology innovators in agri-tech
- Rural community stakeholders
Benefits of attending the fair
Attending the Sangamon County Fair brings numerous benefits for industry stakeholders:
- Networking with industry leaders and peers across various agricultural sectors
- Hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge agricultural machinery
- Opportunities to compare products from multiple manufacturers
- Educational seminars and workshops focused on best farming practices, technology integration, and sustainability
- Exclusive discounts and offers from vendors during the event
- Ideal platform for B2B and B2C engagement
Perks for exhibitors and professionals
- Direct engagement with end-users and decision-makers
- Brand visibility in a community deeply involved in agriculture
- Ability to gather market feedback and introduce new products
- Access to media coverage and local press exposure
- Support from fair organizers in booth setup and logistics
Additional entertainment and attractions
While the agricultural machinery exhibits form the business core of the event, the fair is also rich in entertainment, making it ideal for family visits:
- Live country music concerts at the grandstand
- Livestock competitions and 4-H shows
- Local food vendors and farmer markets
- Carnival rides and games for children
- Heritage exhibits showcasing Illinois farming history
Nearby accommodation and lodging options
New Berlin and its surrounding areas offer several lodging options for attendees:
- Hilton Garden Inn Springfield – Located about 15 miles from the fairgrounds, known for its clean rooms and business amenities
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield, IL – A popular mid-range hotel option for fairgoers
- Super 8 by Wyndham Jacksonville – Budget-friendly and convenient for daily travel
- Camping at the fairgrounds – RV and tent camping facilities are available directly on-site with basic amenities. Early reservation is recommended due to high demand during the fair week
Dining and local amenities
The town of New Berlin offers a variety of local diners, fast food options, and grocery stores. On fairgrounds, several food trucks and temporary stalls cater to visitors with a range of offerings, from barbeque to fresh lemonade and Illinois-made sweets.
Transportation and accessibility
The fairgrounds are easily accessible via Interstate 72, with ample signage guiding visitors. On-site parking is available for a nominal fee. Shuttle services are often arranged from nearby hotel clusters. The fairgrounds also provide wheelchair-accessible paths and restroom facilities.
Planning your visit
To get the most out of the Sangamon County Fair, particularly the agricultural machinery segments:
- Arrive early, especially on peak days (Friday–Sunday)
- Bring business cards or digital contact info for networking
- Pre-register online if possible to avoid on-site queues
- Check weather forecasts, as many exhibits are outdoors
- Allocate time for both machinery displays and educational sessions
For official event details, ticket booking, and exhibitor information, visit the official website:
https://www.sangcofair.com