The Whiteside County Fair Board is proud to announce Fran Gross as “2015 Friend of the Fair” honoree. 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 Mr. Gross its sincere gratitude and appreciation for his many years of showing heavy horses. We want to say “thank you” for coming to the Whiteside County Fair.
Tuesday, August 18, 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 19, the morning starts with Exhibition Barrels at the “Gold Star F. S. Arena” at 8:00 a.m. and Speed Events at 9:00 a.m. That evening in front of the grandstands you won’t want to miss the amazing sounds of Home Free Vocal Group the “Winners of NBC’s The Sing-Off.” Watch and listen as their vocal instruments create harmony to some of your favorite songs. Thursday, August 20, the Heavy Horse Hitch judging starts at 9:00 a.m. The 6 & 4 Horse and Unicorn Hitches begins at 1:00 p.m. Solution Action Sports presents a Monster Truck Thrill Show that will entertain the crowd! These huge trucks catch air and crush cars for the featured entertainment at 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 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. Saturday, August 22, at 10:00 a.m. the Horseshoe Tournament will be 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.” They are 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 once again join us at the Fair to entertain the kids, and there will be a bicycle given away each day.
Bingo is back this year, thanks to Pearl City Lions Club. It will be open every weeknight 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 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.
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.