Two blocks of downtown Morrison, IL, became a pedestrian zone, during the Wednesday, July 25, 2018, Evening Farmers’ Market. A variety of vendors and groups filled the margains of Main Street: face painters to support a mission trip; sellers of essential oils, pillows with inspirational messages, freshly-picked onions and cucumbers, wooden toys, and ribbon wreaths; Illinois Legislators and a candiate for Whiteside County Sheriff. Senator Neil Anderson, Representative Tony McCombie, and Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kris Schmidt visited with visitors.
Jim and Yoli Ferry, Morrison, brought their dogs to the event. Jim took the opportunity to socialize their six-month-old Wirehaired Terrier, Cookie. Yoli holds Duke, a Shih Ttzu, who will be 12 years old tomorrow, July 26.
Farmers National Bank has sponsored the Evening Market event “for three of four years,” remarked Assistant Vice President Angie Erickson, far left. She holds popcorn and candy from the paper sacks which were distributed to attendees. There were giveaways of grocery tote bags, coozies, note pads, and other useful, FNB imprinted objects. Shown left-to-right are Erickson; Teller Brenda Martin; Ashley Bruins, Deposit Services; Teller Marlo Pape; Community President Doug Vanderlaan; Kristi Bass, Deposit Services.
Anne Frame, partially shown below, tended the Veggie Painting table, which Katie Ryder had set up, outside Loft 112, on E. Main Street. Photographer Jimmy Wilson also supervised this creative space for painting and stamping with bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, corn cob, cucumber, and mushroom. An asparagus spear made a textural “brush.”
American Legion Post #328 members sold American and Prisoner of War flags, for $20 and $35, respectively. Flags are available year round from a Legion member. If you purchased a raffle ticket–as Mick Welding, left, did–Barry Linder offered a paper flag. There will be drawings for a $50 Gas Card and a $25 Gas Card, in addition to a Grand Prize. One lucky individual will win a two-minute Shopping Spree at Sullivan’s Foods in Morrison. To support their fundraisers, contact a Legionnaire.
The following veterans worked the event: standing left-to-right are Allen Buikema, Linder, Robert Brands, and Ken Petersen; seated are Mike Allen, left, and Clayton Pearson. Not photographed were Terry Jones and Dale Usterbowski.
Deanna McLain, of Morrison, fills her evenings by embroidering a plethora of fabric art. For accent, she embellishes the linens with bits of textile paint. Market items included t-shirts, aprons, a quilt, baby bibs, and tote bags. Her table displayed numerous, colorful, cotton dishcloths.
Music always adds to the ambience of any Farmers’ Market. The Editor did not hear the piano playing of R. C. Riley Horton, Milledgeville, IL. The Morris family of Prophetstown, IL, however, was well received. Drummer Steve assaulted the skins, accompanying recorded music. Tunes from the 1940’s and forward to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” had couples dancing on the pavement. Wife Krissy and daughter Faith added vocals; son Timothy played base guitar. Left-to-right are Faith, Timothy, Krissy, and Steve Morris in concert on Main Street, at the 2018 Evening Farmers’ Market.
