Since 1989, the Whiteside County Fair Board has honored those who have made an extra effort to support the annual Fair. They make the Fair as much fun as possible, for those who participate and attend the many shows and events.
This year the Whiteside County Fair has selected the Gary Folkers Family as “2018 Friend of the Fair.” The Folkers Family has always been available to assist wherever there is a need; mowing and making sure the fairgrounds are well maintained; sponsoring and decorating the packer used for the Tractor and Truck Pull; sponsoring the wood carvers and making sure they have everything that is needed during the week.
“Thank you to the Gary Folkers Family, for all you do for the Whiteside County Fair. Your help is very much appreciated!” Gary Folkers is driving along the track with granddaughters Megan, age 10, left, and Marissa, age 13.
As always, the Fair Board works very hard to provide something for everyone, so please come and enjoy the fair. Here is a schedule of the days’ main events:
Tuesday, August 14, the Western Horse Show begins at 8:00 a.m.; new Poultry Judging in the old Rabbit Barn is at 10:00 a.m.; Kids Pedal Pull starts at 2:00 p.m.; Open and Jr. Swine Judging are at noon and 4:30 p.m., respectively. Evening entertainment is Pro-Bull Riding at 7:00 p.m. Cheer on these brave cowboys as they prepare to hang on for eight seconds, while a four-legged nemesis tries to spoil the plan.
Wednesday, August 15, Western Horse Speed Events start the day at 8:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. the Dairy will be judged. Evening entertainment starts with Martin Family Circus at 6:30 p.m. The main event with singer/songwriter Keith Anderson is at 8:00.
Thursday, August 16, at 9:00 a.m., the Beef Cattle-Jr. Heifer/Jr. Steer will be judged at the Beef Show Arena. The Heavy Horse Halter Classes will be judged in front of the grandstand at 9:00 a.m. The Hitch classes start at 1:00 p.m., including the 4-Horse Hitch. Evening grandstand entertainment will be Solution Action Sports FMX Motorcycle show, starting at 7:00.
Friday, August 17, at 9:00 a.m., the Heavy Horse Hitch Classes will be shown in front of the grandstands. Open Beef Show will be judged in the Beef Show Arena, and Sheep Judging takes place at the Sheep Barn both at 9:00 a.m. At 1:00 p.m., the Heavy Horses return as they thunder in front of the grandstand to entertain with the big 6-, 4-, and Unicorn Hitches. The Antique Tractor Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Illini Pullers Association follows at 6:30, with their “souped up” Tractors and Trucks. They will pull the sled showing, off the horsepower under the hood, in front of the grandstand.
Saturday, August 18, Horseshoe Tournament is at 10:00 a.m., and Kids Pedal Pull is at 11:00 a.m. Horses are at the post as Harness Racing begins on the track at noon. At 6:30 p.m., the car-crushing, smoke-filled Demolition Derby will finish the fabulous five-days of crowd pleasing entertainment. It is sure to be an amazing experience for all who attend!
The Mega Band is back, and Wilson Family Rides will entertain fairgoers with their outstanding carnival and midway attractions. Patrons can ride unlimited rides every day of the fair for $50 (if purchased in advance the week before the fair at the Secretary’s office) or $60 if purchased during the fair. Grandpa Cratchet Stage Show will return as well as our Bike Give Aways, and the Cake/Pie Walk.
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair, so we can continue for years to come this important part of our County’s heritage. Check out our website for more information at www.whitesidecountyfair.org.