Todd Mickly submitted this report.
The Whiteside County Fair Board has been very busy preparing for an impressive lineup of entertainment at this year’s fair, and it is sure to please all who attend! The fair opens on Tuesday, August 18, and concludes after five amazing days on Saturday, August 22, 2015. The 145th annual fair, held at the fairgrounds in Morrison, IL, has many exciting attractions.
As always, the Fair Board strives to provide something for everyone, young and old alike. Editor’s note: Jeff McDearmon, Morrison, looks forward to the corndogs.
Winner of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and Columbia Records Recording Artists, “Home Free” will once again entertain crowds in front of the Grandstand on Wednesday, August 19. This crowd-pleasing Country a cappella group will be sure to entertain you, as they harmonize and sing some of your favorite current songs, while mixing in a couple of their own. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed e performance last year, and you won’t want to miss them!
On Thursday, August 20, Solution Action Sports will be rolling in with a Monster Truck show. It will thrill the crowd as Super Trucks crush, jump, and wheelie over cars in front of the Grandstand. Drivers will keep you on the edge of your seat, driving four-wheeled giants, showing off horse power and skill. There will also be a “Tuff Truck” Competition where local drivers can test their skill driving through a small course. Look for more information in coming weeks at the fair’s website www.whitesidecountyfair.org and “LIKE” us on Facebook.
Here is a schedule of the days’ main events.
Tuesday, August 18, brings the Bulls to Morrison. The evening Grandstand entertainment is “Pro-Bull Riding” at 7:00 p.m. Watch as these Cowboy daredevils try to hang on for eight seconds, while the mass of muscle they are on tries to spoil their plan. Other events are the Western Horse Show at 8:00 a.m.; Open and Jr. Swine Judging at noon and 4:30 p.m.; Kids Pedal Pull at 2:00 p.m.; Rabbit Judging at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19, showcases “Home Free” on the main stage in front of the Grandstand, pleasing your ears and bringing a smile to your face, singing Country style of a cappella music at 7:00 p.m. Western Horse speed events will start off the day at 8:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. Dairy will be judged.
Thursday, August 20, Grandstand entertainment is Monster Truck Madness by Solution Action Sports, starting at 7:00 p.m. At 9:00 a.m. in front of the Grandstand Heavy Horse Hitches will be judged; Beef Cattle – Jr. Heifer/Jr. Steer will be judged at the Beef Show Arena. At 1:00 p.m. Heavy Horses return before the Grandstand to entertain with 6-, 4-, and Unicorn Hitches.
Friday, August 21, features Illini Pullers Association Tractors and Trucks that will pull a sled in front of the Grandstand at 6:30 p.m., right after the Antique Tractor Parade which starts at 5:45. At 9:00 a.m. Heavy Horse Halter Classes will be seen from the Grandstand. The Open Beef Show will be judged in the Beef Show Arena at 9:00 also. Harness Racing will take the track at 1:30 to entertain with afternoon races.
Saturday, August 22, finishing off the fair’s five-day evening attractions is the Demolition Derby at 6:30. Harness Racing is on the track again at 1:00. The Horseshoe Tournament is at 10:00; a second Kids Pedal Pull is at 11:00 a.m.
The Mega Band is back again; and Wilson Family Rides will entertain kids and adults with outstanding carnival and midway attractions, providing a festive and fun time for everyone.
Grandpa Cratchet Stage Show will return.
Look for our Bike Give-Away each day and the popular Cake/Pie Walk.
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. With budget cuts from the State of Illinois we need your help keeping the Fair going for many years to come. Check out our website for more information at www.whitesidecountyfair.org.