Since 1989, the Fair 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. This year the Whiteside County Fair has selected the Morrison Athletic Boosters as “2017 Friend of the Fair.”
For well over 30 years Morrison Athletic Boosters have provided large numbers of volunteers to manage the gates. They are the Greeters to everyone who attends the fair. They have manned food stands and provided help wherever, whenever asked. Numerous members have offered help and personal equipment whenever they see a hand is needed. Thank you to all the Morrison Athletic Boosters and community members who have pitched in over the years. Your help is very much appreciated!
Here is a schedule of each day’s main events.
Tuesday, August 15–This ain’t no bull; the evening entertainment is Pro-Bull Riding, starting at 7:00 p.m. Cheer on brave cowboys, who prepare to hang on for eight seconds, while their four-legged nemeses try to spoil their plan. Other events are the Western Horse Show at 8:00 a.m.; Open and Jr. Swine Judging at noon and 4:30 p.m., respectively; Kids Pedal Pull at 2:00 p.m.; Rabbit Judging at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 16–Street Corner Symphony, is an a capela group from Nashville, TN, who appeared on NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” They will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. Western Horse speed events will start the day off at 8:00 a.m., and at 9:00 a.m. the Dairy will be judged.
Thursday, August 17–The evening grandstand entertainment will be Solution Action Sports FMX Motorcycle Stunt show at 7:00 p.m. At 9:00 a.m. the Beef Cattle-Jr. Heifer/Jr. Steer will be judged at the Beef Show Arena. The Heavy Horse Halter Classes will be judged in front of the grandstand at 10:00 a.m.
Friday, August 18–The Illini Pullers Association brings in their “souped up” Tractors and Trucks. They will pull the sled, showing horsepower under the hood, in front of the grandstand at 6:30 p.m., right after the Antique Tractor Parade that starts at 5:30 p.m., following the Friend of the Fair Presentation. During the morning at 9:00 a.m. the Heavy Horse Hitch Classes will be shown in front of the grandstands. The Open Beef Show will be judged in the Beef Show Arena at 9:00. At 1:00 p.m. the Heavy Horses come back and thunder in front of the grandstand to entertain you with the big 6, 4, and Unicorn Hitches.
Saturday, August 19–The car-crushing, smoke-filled Demolition Derby will finish five, fabulous days of crowd pleasing fun. It is sure to be an amazing experience for all who attend! The horses are at the post, with Harness Racing on the track at noon. Also on Saturday are a Horseshoe Tournament at 10:00 a.m. and Kids Pedal Pull at 11:00 a.m.
As always, the Fair Board works hard to provide something for everyone, so please come and enjoy the multi-faceted fair. The Mega Band is back. Wilson Family Rides will entertain fair goers with their outstanding carnival and midway attractions. Patrons can ride unlimited rides every day of the fair for $50 (if purchased the week prior to the fair at the Secretary’s office) or $60 if purchased during the fair.
Granpa Cratchet Stage Show will return along with our Bike Give Away each day and the Cake/Pie Walk.
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. There is no doubt that without your support, our fair would not have been successful and able to continue for the last 147 years. It’s no secret, with the budget cuts the State of Illinois has imposed, we need your continued help and support to keep the Whiteside County Fair going strong. Help us continue this significant part of our County’s heritage for years to come.