Todd Mickley submitted this report.
“The Whiteside County Fair opens today, Tuesday, August 16, 2022, and completes after five amazing days on Saturday, August 20. The 151st annual fair, held at the fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield Street, in Morrison, IL, has exciting attractions and something for everyone.”
Tuesday, August 16, the Pleasure Horse Show is at 9:00 a.m. Open Swine Judging is at noon, and Jr. Swine Judging is at 4:30 p.m. Kids Tractor Pedal Pull at 2:00 p.m. Pro-Bull Riding starts at 7:00 p.m. Brave cowboys try to hang on for eight seconds, while their four-legged nemeses try to spoil their plans.
Wednesday, August 17, Exhibition Barrels start at 8:00 a.m. Western Horse Speed Events and Dairy Judging begin at 9:00 a.m. At 7:00 p.m., for the first time, we have Pro-Bronc Riding. It involves a rodeo participant riding a bucking horse (sometimes called Bronco,) that attempts to throw or buck off the rider, before eight seconds are up. Originally based on the necessary buck-breaking skills of a working cowboy, the event is now a highly stylized competition, that utilizes horses that often are specially bred for strength, agility, and bucking ability.
Thursday, August 18, at 9:00 a.m. Beef Cattle – Jr. Show will be judged at the Beef Show Arena. Also at 9:00 a.m., Heavy Horse Hitches including 4-Horse will be in front of the grandstand; the Halter Classes start at 1:00 p.m. Evening grandstand entertainment will be Karen as Dolly, a favorite Dolly Parton tribute artist. Possessing a wide array of performance experience, a serous set of pipes, and a dead-on tone, Karen Hester brings her Dolly Parton act to life at 7:00 p.m. Stay for the Fireworks after her show!
Friday, August 19, at 9:00 a.m. Heavy Horse Hitch Classes take place in front of the grandstand. The Open Beef Show will be judged in the Beef Show Arena at 9:00 a.m. also. At 1:00 p.m. the Heavy Horses thunder in front of the grandstand, with the Big 6 Horse and Unicorn Hitches. Illini State Pullers Association brings their “souped up” Tractors and Trucks. They pull the sled showing off the horsepower under the hood, before the grandstand at 6:30 p.m.–right after the Antique Tractor Parade that starts at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 20, Harness Racing is on the track at 1:00 p.m. Kids Tractor Pedal Pull is at 11:00 a.m., and the Wood Carving Auction is at 4:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the car-crushing, adrenaline-pumping, smoke-filled Demolition Derby will finish off the grandstand entertainment. It is sure to be an amazing experience for all who attend!
“The Mega Band is back. Wilson Family Show will entertain fairgoers with their outstanding carnival and midway attractions. Patrons can enjoy unlimited rides every day of the fair for $70, with bands purchased at the fair. Favorite events return: Grandpa Cratchet Stage Shows; daily Bike Give Aways; Cake/Pie Walks. New this year, we welcome Bertrand’s Petting Zoo and Pony Rides throughout the day, every day.
“Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. There is no doubt without your continued support, our fair would not remain as we have enjoyed over the years. It’s no secret with the budget cuts the State of Illinois has imposed, we need your help and support to keep our fair going strong, so we can continue with this important part of our County’s heritage for years to come. Check out our website for more information about the fair at www.whitesidecountyfair.org.”
