Editor’s note: Brian Bartoz, MHS Driver Education and American Government Teacher, supplied the top two photos.
Three community events share one day of athleticism, canine-themed activities, and a Main Street Rock the Block Party, in Morrison, IL.
Rotarian Kathy Schmidt reported on Friday, September 17, 2021, that 266 people had preregistered for the 33rd Annual Harvest Hammer. It will be held Saturday, September 18. Schmidt stated, “Thank you to [MHS] Key Club for helping with setups and registration.”
Saturday, on-site registration and race packet and t-shirt pick up begins at 7:00 a.m., at Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue. The Wee Run starts at 8:15; the Fun Run begins at 8:30; the Challenge Run is just after 8:30; the 5K/Duathlon begins at 9:00; the Color Run starts at 11:15. Those who registered in the above events may enter the Color Run at no fee. Those who only wish to run through wisps of pigment in the Color Run pay $12; they will receive an event shirt.
Drawings will benefit one Wee Runner and one Fun Runner. Children must be present to receive their bikes, sponsored by Mead’s Bike Shop of Sterling, IL.
For more information call 815-590-6497 or 815-772-5510.
Join On the Move With Parks & Rec and The Department of Fun for a Dog Days of Summer Pooch Picnic, at the City of Morrison future Bark Park. It’s a “paw-ty!” Friendly dogs on leash may accompany their owners. Enjoy hot dogs, chips, cookies, water, and soda from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Trent Bush will be the DJ. Let’s raise the “woof!”
Meet-and-greet the Whiteside County Sheriff Dog “Cooper.” Sign up for $5 to tell about your canine: “Strut Your Mutt” and “Crazy Dog Trick” contests. Bush will announce this information during the event. Play Bags, Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Badminton, and more. The “pup-arazzi” will take photos of dogs; vote for your favorites with a monetary donation.
Silent Auction highest bidders will win the sparkly Disco Ball from Hilltop Lanes bowling alley and one of three handmade Dog Houses, made by Mike Carney, Mark Pruis, and Jim Strating.
“Howl” you live with yourself, if you don’t come to the Pooch Picnic? For more information call Karla Burn at 815-535-6591.
Bring the family downtown for an afternoon and evening of fun, and support our local businesses. The second Rock the Block Party is set for 4:00 to 11:00 p.m., brought to you by Morrison Chamber of Commerce, The Department of Fun, and Main Street businesses. Events stretch between Base and Cherry Street, from the W. 100 block to the E. 100 block.
Bring camping chairs if desired. Some tables, chairs, and picnic tables will be available.
Kids’ activities are available from 4:00 to 7:00: two bounce houses, face painting, coloring pages, carnival games, and more. All ages can paint a rock. Watch five professional artists demonstrate their talents on Genesee Street.
Morrison musicians perform from 5:00 to 7:00; The Third Wheel includes Chris Mills, Greg Pruis, and Elizabeth Yaklich. From 8:00 to 11:00, on Genesee Street, “two charismatic, hilarious entertainers behind the keys” will entertain with Dueling Pianos.
Purchase a drink in a red cup from a pub or restaurant. Enjoy it outside on our new stretch of Main Street.