On Friday, August 16, 2024, 12-year-old Shay Steele, of Morrison, IL, was the fourth, fortunate bicycle recipient, during the 153rd Whiteside County Fair. She is now a seventh grader at Morrison Junior High School. Her name was the fourth to be drawn. Although she cannot ride to school, Shay is able to ride her bicycle on the driveway. Her bike was sponsored by Community State Bank
Each day at the General Store, on the north side of the grandstand, WHOA volunteers sell Walking Tacos, sodas, water, and merchandise as a fundraiser. On Friday, August 16, they included Julie Bielema; Pam Brackemeyer; Brenda Grimes; Cindy Ottens; Jane Pape; Jill Vegter; Margie Wilkens; Briley and Tynlee Williams. Ongoing fundraising is for programing and operations of this not-for-profit organization. Based at the fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield Street, Morrison, IL, WHOA volunteers offer assisted equine activities to individuals with disabilities. The organization owns three horses and has another on loan. They are old, retired animals, with necessary health care expenses: veterinary fees; acupuncture; massage; farrier hoof care; chiropractic treatment. An extremely costly expense–with constantly rising prices–is medications to address pain and stiffness.
Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office had a display table with giveaways. They also raffled electronic “Razor” scooters to a boy and a girl. Sheriff John Booker offered a Scavenger Hunt to find his photo; each day he chose a new location. He reported, “They are having fun with it.”
Fifty-one antique tractors were displayed during the week; 46 drove in the Antique Tractor Parade, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All vehicles paraded around the track and in front of the grandstand. Mark Ottens, Morrison, displayed his 1938 Farmall tractor on an earlier, sunnier, day. A sudden downpour cut short a planned oral tribute to antique tractor-lover Glenn Frank, who passed recently. His daughter, Nadine Venhuizen, and granddaughter, Sarah Wiersema, drove two of his tractors in the parade. Glenn Frank was a founding member of the Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol, and he was a member and Vice President of the Fair Board. He also was a member of the Geneseo, IL, Antique Tractor Club.
Two attractions offered a wide range of Kitsie’s All Star Barnyard Revue and Pig Races and exotic animals to enjoy up close. There were Camel and Pony Rides; a Petting Zoo; Barnyard Revue/Pig Races. Look for baby Guinea Pigs for purchase; a 20-year-old “baby” tortoise; huge, soft rabbits; numerous animals to feed.
