Nostalgia in Bloom: The Rising Value of County & State Fair Collectibles
A surge in popularity is driving up the value of vintage county and state fair memorabilia, from prize ribbons to game wheels, as collectors seek a tangible connection to simpler times. These brightly colored,playfully designed items evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
From signage to souvenirs, prized county- and state-fair collectibles conjure nostalgia for the midways of yesteryear. And, thanks to their bold colors and playful graphics, they are becoming top picks for today’s collectors. Here’s what to look for and what to know.
Prize Ribbons: More Than just a Symbol of Victory
Satin prize ribbons have long been the ultimate fair keepsake, awarded for everything from pie-baking contests to livestock exhibitions. Interestingly, while “blue ribbon” is commonly used to signify top quality, purple is the official color of champions in moast competitions.
According to current market analysis, vintage ribbons can be acquired for as little as $5 apiece. Though, more elaborate rosette- and button-topped ribbons, notably those from the early to mid-1900s, can fetch between $10 and $100 each.
Pennants: Flags of Fair Fun
Pennants have served as cheerful souvenirs of a day at the fair for generations. Early 1900s examples are now commanding upward of $80 apiece due to their unique visuals and the occasional inclusion of specific dates. As the felt pennant industry became more consolidated, pre-designed graphics became commonplace.
While collectors ofen seek pennants touting a sentimental locale, rodeo motifs are consistently in high demand. Pennants from the 1960s onward typically cost between $15 and $50, while those dating back to the early 1900s are worth upwards of $80 each.
Game Wheels: A Spin Through History
The first documented use of paper admission tickets dates back to 1788, but perforated wheels of tickets didn’t become commonplace until the late 1800s.typically numbered for attendance tracking, they were mass-produced during the early 1900s by companies like Globe Ticket and Indiana Ticket Co.
Full wheels, a rare find, can command between $150 and $500 per roll, while strips of ten or fewer tickets sell for $2 to $10. Interestingly,the lower the printed price on the ticket,the higher its collecting value.
beyond the Midway: St. Louis Carnival Supply Co. & Toss Games
Founded in 1927, Missouri-based St. Louis Carnival Supply Co. was a major provider of festive party supplies and inexpensive “penny toy” prizes, offering over 500 trinkets priced under 10 cents. Skill-based games, like a hand-painted midcentury milk can toss game, were available for purchase and rent. Despite the company’s name, many of its products – including the beloved fish pond game – were used for school events and church bazaars, not professional traveling carnivals.The company ceased selling games and closed in 2007.
these toss games can now be worth up to $300.
The Story Behind Carnival Glass
Carnival glass,first introduced as “Iridill” in 1908 by the Fenton Art Glass Company of West Virginia,achieved its iridescent sheen through a coating of metallic salts. As a more affordable option to blown art glass from Tiffany and Steuben, it peaked in popularity in the mid-1920s before falling out of favor by the 1930s. Surplus pieces were often given out as game prizes at fairs and festivals, leading to the name “carnival glass.”
The enduring appeal of these collectibles lies in their ability to transport us back to a time of simple pleasures and vibrant community gatherings, making them increasingly valuable pieces of Americana.
