Sanitary Fair founded by United States Sanitary Commission
Sanitary fairs were fund-raising events held in various cities on behalf of the United States Sanitary Commission to raise funds and supplies for the Union Army during the American Civil War.  Established in 1863, the last major event was held in 1865 in Chicago.  From the outset of the USSC, many local groups sponsored fundraising events to benefit the Commission.  As the civil war progressed, these became larger and more elaborate.  Organizing these Sanitary Fairs offered ways for local communities to participate directly in supporting the war effort of the nation. 
The USSC leadership sometimes did not approve of the excitement and lavishness of the fairs. They wanted to encourage sacrifice as a component of membership in a nation. Although the fairs were one way to create a national identity which might motivate citizens to perform their duties, the commission leadership did not want the fairs to become the focus of USSC work. The name "Sanitary Fair" was coined after the success of the big bazaars that took place in Chicago and shortly after in Boston during the winter of 1863-1864.