Vada McBride won the sixth bike giveaway, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, sponsored by Gibson Oil. This ten-year-old is a fifth grader at Southside Elementary School. “Yeah,” she has a bicycle, “but it’s old,” she stated. Vada lives in the country; she can ride the new bike on the road to her house and patio.
The 6:00 p.m. drawing was touching. Caleb Graham‘s name was called, but he just missed entering the Secretary’s Office in time. He was clearly disappointed. Sterling High School Freshman Travonn Walker’s name had been drawn. Walker sat on the bike–which was too small–even if the seat and handlebars could have been raised. The generous 14-year-old said he could “give it to the boy who missed the time limit.” Graham was called back to the Office to receive the bicycle. Smiles all around! Graham is also 14, a ninth grader at Camanche, IA. He owns a bike, but “it’s too small.” This one is the right size; he can ride it to school.
Volunteers at the White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) served large Walking Tacos in a nacho chips bag, water, and soft drinks. For five days they raised funds for general operations and medical care for their four horses. This not-for-profit organization serves children and adults with special needs–offering horse knowledge and care and fun riding. On duty were Julie Bielema; Jen Black; Jen, June, and Lili Drinkall; Cindy Ottens; Jane Pape; Margie Wilkins; Kara, Tynlee, and Briley Williams.
Always popular are the Stateline Farm Rescue demonstrations. Throughout the day, Morrison Fire Department members are rescued from near suffocation, by their teammates, as slippery corn sucks them further into the corn bin. Video viewing into the hole is dramatic. Standing between Stateline personnel are four MFD members: left-to-right, Drew Wilkens, Joe Bielema, Elayna Haan, and Chief Tony Belha.
A sure contender for youngest First Fair Visit was five-day-old Palmer Pell. Cuddled and asleep in the arms of his Aunt, Makala Glovik–at left–he was accompanied by his 1.5-year-old sister, Myla Pell. Mother Rebekah Mulnix–at right–and her young ones live live in Morrison, IL.
One-month-old Serenity Meinsma made her First Fair Visit with parents, Hannah Schaver and Allan Meinsma. The family is from Hanover, IL.
Ashton James was awake for part of his First Fair Visit. Triston and Evelynn James, of Morrison, IL, brought their eight-week-old first-born to the Fair, on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
This year’s Wood Carving Auction was enhanced by the artistry of Carver Jason Stoner, from Gettysburgh, PA. Note especially the antlered buck, longhorn skull, fish, and a rippling flag. He offered unusual items and favorites, often framed as part of the design. Attention to details was excellent, as was his quality painting. Sixteen-of-20 pieces are shown prior to the Auction; all were purchased. Assistants are Quinn James, left, and Marissa Folkers.
Granpa Cratchet drove his wee camper and stopped for photos with children. He held the hand of this little girl.
