SANDWICH -- The 102nd Sandwich Fair opened its gate to all exhibits Saturday morning and welcomed up to 15,000 fans of all ages.

The fair held a Friday evening preview with a special and all of the Midway attractions, food and crafts concessions, farmers market, exhibit halls and barns. The fair continues through Monday.

Sandwich Fair President Dan Peaslee said Friday night's kickoff, with free admission and $12 for all the rides, gave area residents a chance to enjoy the event before the weekend crowds.

Late Saturday afternoon, Fair officials didn't have any hard numbers ready, but Peaslee estimated admissions were between 12,000 and 15,000 for the day.

“We had a very good day today,” he said. “It's not a record, but I would guess we had 12,000 to 15,000 — and then we got two showers,” he said.

The rain held off until the first shower at 3 p.m., followed by another just before 4 p.m.

“After the second shower, every one went home,” he said. The fair exhibits were open until 6 p.m., but at about 5 p.m. Saturday, he reported the fair was mostly shut down due to the weather. He anticipated fair weather for the rest of the weekend. Weather reports call for possible showers on Sunday, but mostly south of the Lakes Region.

Overall, there were no other major problems. The new attractions, including a sword swallower and a ventriloquist, were popular with the crowds. Many of the farm animals and 4-H exhibits are really the stars of this fair show, however, and Peaslee said all the animals were excellent. “We had some beautifully decorated stalls. It was gorgeous.”

On Saturday, many families took advantage of the admission and rides special from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Livestock exhibits and contests included oxen, steer, swine, chickens, rabbits, goats, mules, Llamas, show horses and draft horses.

Sandwich police Officer Shawn Varney reported no major mishaps during the day. However, he said on Friday night before there were a couple instances involving intoxicated individuals who were escorted from the fair. Approximately 14 police officers cover the fair. They offer assistance with every from rowdy individuals to lost children. Generally, “it's a great crowd,” said Varney of the family-friendly event. Varney has been covering the fair as an officer since 1993.

The fair continues Sunday with horse competitions at 8:30 a.m., tractor pull contests, miniature horse demonstration the 4-H Goat Show and an open dairy show — all before noon. The Grand Street Parade will commence at 1 p.m., followed by stage shows and entertainment, as well as more agricultural exhibits and contests. The exhibit halls close at 6 p.m. and reopen again at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.

For a full schedule, go to thesandwichfair.com.