The Whiteside County Fair Board is proud to announce Paul Vock, left, and Dan Heusinkveld as “2014 Friend of the Fair” honorees. Since 1989, the board has sought to honor those who have made an extra effort to support the annual Fair and make it as much fun as possible. This year, the board offers its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many years of service on the board and the friendship with Paul and Dan. Vock started in 1971 as the Heavy Horse Superintendent until 1991, becoming the President of the board in 1992. Heusinkveld started in 1979 as Running Race Superintendent until 1981, becoming the Harness Racing Superintendent in 1982. They both continue to serve on the board. The board says “Thank you” for 36 years of service and everything they have done for the Whiteside County Fair.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014, the first event of the fair is the Western Horse Show at 8:00 a.m. in the infield at the newly configured “Gold Star F. S. Arena.” That night the grandstand entertainment is the Pro-Bull Riding, at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 13, the morning starts with Exhibition Barrels at “Gold Star F. S. Arena” at 8:00 a.m. and Speed Events at 9:00. You don’t want to miss Home Free Vocal Group, “Winners of NBC’s The Sing-Off.”
Thursday, August 14, the Heavy Horse Hitch Judging starts at 9:00 a.m. The 6- and 4-Horse and Unicorn Hitches begin at 1:00 p.m. MotoCross Stunt Show will entertain the crowd as the featured entertainment at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 15, starts off with Heavy Horse Halter judged at 9:00 a.m. At 6:30 p.m. five classes of souped-up tractors and trucks will take over the grandstand, after the Antique Tractor Parade at 5:45 p.m.
Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. the Horseshoe Tournament will be going on in the infield. At 6:30 p.m. the demolition derby will finish off the fair’s five-day evening grandstand events.
For those with a sweet tooth, chances will be sold at a nominal cost to test entrants’ luck at winning a tasty treat in the “cake walks” and “pie parades,” held Tuesday through Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the Culinary Department, in the large exhibition hall north of the Secretary’s office.
Harness racing takes over the racetrack Friday at 1:30 p.m. with track records up for grabs. Saturday the action starts at 1:00 p.m. Children’s pedal pulls are scheduled on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m., with six divisions for youngsters ages four through 12. Grandpa Cratchet will be joining us at the fair again to entertain the kids. There will be a bicycle given away each day.
Bingo is back again this year, thanks to Pearl City Lions Club, and will be open every night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Over $119,000 in premiums will be offered in prize money to the winners in over 1500 different classes. The 60-page premium books are available at banks throughout the County or online.
As always, the fair board strives to provide something for everyone, young and old alike. For more information, please visit us at www.whitesidecountyfair.org.