At 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2015, Frances R. Gross was acknowledged as 2015 Friend of the Fair, before the grandstand. Sharing the award presentation with Gross are Fair Board members, left-to-right, front row, Marty Pierceson, Mary Beth Dombroski, and Paul Vock. Standing behind are Karl Kovarik, Brad Noble, Dan Heusinkveld, Brian Oostenryk, Jr., Glenn Frank, Brian Oostenryk, Sr., John Mosher, Rob Vegter, Todd Mickley, and Mike Wiersema.
Fair goers have seen Gross driving gigantic, yet elegant, Percheron horses for decades. He brings his beautiful animals, wagon, and accoutrement from Jefferson, WI.
This recognition ceremony is significant and one of the most important events of each year’s fair. One reason the Morrison, IL, venue is the only Whiteside County fair of the originial four, is the people who make it happen. Since 1989, the board has sought to honor those who have made an extra effort to support it and make the annual Whiteside County Fair as much fun as possible, for all those who participate and attend the many shows and events.
Gross was honored for his love of horses, which began over 65 years ago, stated Kovarik. As a farm child, his father gave him the choice to drive the tractor or walk behind the horses. He chose to work in tandem with the big equines. Frances was required to harness them, and it was nearly impossible. So, he put the harnesses in the barn rafters and lowered them into place on the animals. He was the first to drive a Band Wagon pulled by 13 horses–in a single line. Gross shares his expertise and love of Percherons with young people. He has taught youth and brought them to county fairs.
