Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this update.
On Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5, 2021, the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield Street, Morrison, IL, will host competition by the Illinois High School, and Junior High School, Rodeo Associations. The “Herm VanDerLeest Memorial Rodeo” honors VanDerLeest for his efforts to support the Illinois Rodeo Associations prior to his passing.
Advanced tickets can be purchased for $5 by Friday, September 3, at Happy Joe’s Pizza, Community State Bank, and Extreme Image Salon. Tickets are $10 at the gates on rodeo days. Purchase lunch supplied by Triple P BBQ food truck, from Rock Falls, IL, on both days.
Saturday includes 50/50 cash drawings and a Silent Auction. Donations will be accepted to support Morrison’s White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center. WHOA offers special-needs adults and youth instruction in horse care and riding. Winners will be announced during the evening Rodeo.
This youthful extension of American Western heritage first appeared in Morrison in 2019, and the action drew very high marks from attendees. Come celebrate an American tradition, that is entertaining for all ages! Marvel at the equine athletes, too.
Riders compete against a set or previous time or score. They give their all in ten fast-paced events: bareback riding; barrel racing; breakaway roping; bull riding; tie down roping; goat tying; pole bending; steer wrestling; saddle bronc riding; team roping. Each entrant is very skilled in their specialty. Many have qualified to compete in the National Rodeo finals, later this year in Colorado.
The Junior High division accepts entrants in fourth-through-eighth grade. The High School division features ninth-through-12th graders.
The Saturday, September 4, Junior High division performance begins at 9:30 a.m. with The National Anthem. The 6:00 p.m. High School rodeo events also include Trick Riding.
The Sunday, September 5, event begins with a sit-down Breakfast from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., prepared by Morrison Boy Scout Troop 96 (Junior High and Senior High levels.) Enjoy pancakes, sausage, biscuits with gravy, juice, and coffee, in the Whiteside County Cattlemen’s Association Pavillion, east of the Grandstand.
Church Services will take place at 7:30 a.m., in the Grandstand. Emmanuel Reformed Church Pastor Luke Schouten will officiate.
Sunday’s competition will begin at 9:00 a.m., before the Grandstand, with both Junior and Senior divisions on horseback.
Among the entrants are Addi and Shelby Wiersema, daughters of Samantha and Kasey Wiersema, formerly of Morrison and now living in Erie, IL. Addi is Secretary of the Illinois High School Rodeo Association. When asked what spectators can expect, she responded, “They will see hard-working individuals doing what they love and doing the best they can at it!”
Kendell Kindred, IHSRA Vice President and Senior at Olympia High School, supported Addie’s comments. He added, “Everyone is like family! They help you, and you try to help them. They build a bond that is pretty much unbreakable.”
IHSRA President Lance Bogner noted, “Students learn that hard work pays off!” This trio of the IHSRA officers are examples that today’s youth can model, to be assured of a successful future.
Left-to-right are Shelby Wiersema, Kendell Kindred, Lance Bogner, and Addi Wiersema. Mark September 4 and 5 on your calendar, to be entertained by the youth leadership of tomorrow. Plan to visit the Rodeo at Whiteside County Fairgrounds.
