The Whiteside County Fair Board is proud to announce the Dale Coleson Family as “2016 Friend of the Fair” honorees. Since 1989, the board has sought to honor those who have made an extra effort, to support and make the annual Fair as much fun as possible for all those who participate and attend the many shows and events.
The board offers the Dale Coleson Family its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many years of showing sheep and wants to say “Thank you” for coming to the Whiteside County Fair.
Dale and his wife of 50 years, RoJean, live in rural Varna, IL, on a 1000 acre farm. They have shown sheep at the Whiteside County Fair for 33 years. Over the years, Dale has assisted Sheep Superintendent John Pierceson and now Marty Pierceson with the Whiteside County Fair Sheep Show.
With their daughters Lisa and Lynn, they have shown Suffolk and Columbia sheep. They are continuing the family tradition with grandchildren Justin, Jarrad, Kolton, Jaylyn, Jerica, and Kylee. They currently have 20 Southdown Sheep and are anxiously awaiting the show season.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016, the first event of the fair is the Western Horse Show at 8:00 a.m. in the infield at the Gold Star F.S. Arena. That night the grandstand entertainment is Pro-Bull Riding at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17, the morning starts with Exhibition Barrels at the Gold Star F. S. Arena at 8:00 a.m., with Speed Events at 9:00. That evening in front of the grandstands, don’t miss the amazing sounds of Home Free Vocal Group, winners of NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” Watch and listen as their vocal instruments create harmony to some of your favorite songs.
Thursday, August 18, the Heavy Horse Halter Judging starts at 9:00 a.m. Monster Truck Throwdown will entertain the crowd, as huge trucks catch air and crush cars, along with FMX Freestyle Motocross at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 19, starts with Heavy Horse Hitch judging at 9:00 a.m. and the 6- and 4-Horse and Unicorn Hitches at 1:00 p.m. At 6:30 five classes of souped-up tractors and trucks will take over the grandstand after the Antique Tractor Parade at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. the Horseshoe Tournament will begin on in the infield. At 6:30 p.m. the crowd-pleasing 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. This takes place in the Culinary Department in the large exhibition hall north of the Secretary’s office.
Harness racing takes over the racetrack Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with track records up for grabs. 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 4 through 12. Grandpa Cratchet will join us to entertain the kids, and there will be a bicycle given away each day.
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers will use the chainsaw as an artistic tool and turn a log into an amazing sculpture. Experience this full-throttle art this year. Saturday at 4:00 p.m. all carvings will be auctioned off to anyone interested in a one-of-a-kind sculpture.
Bingo is back thanks to Pearl City Lions Club. It will be open every night of the fair from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Over $119,000 in premiums will be offered in prize money to winners in over 1500 different classes. The 60-page premium books are available at banks throughout the County or online directly from the fair website.
Wilson Family Shows will entertain the kids and adults with their outstanding carnival and midway attractions, providing a festive and fun time for everyone. Check out the Mega Band for unlimited rides all week.
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.