2005 Year in Review

Sesquicentennial Fireworks

by Marc Adami and Stephanie Vavra

Plan to attend the grand finale event of Morrison, Illinois’s 150th. anniversary on Sunday, July 10, at the Whiteside County fairgrounds.

Help us “blow out the birthday candles” and make a wish for the next 150 years. We promise one of the finest displays of color, sound, and sparkle in the area.

The $2 entry ticket admits you to the fairgrounds and all the special events held there. It is good for all three days. Advance tickets are on sale Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 4 in the Sesquicentennial Store, 218 W. Main. During the celebratory weekend, tickets can be purchased at the fairground gates on W. Winfield.

Fireworks will start at 9:30 and be fired from the fairgrounds. Ideal viewing is inside the fairgrounds, on the east side of the race track, near the grandstand, and on a portion of the track infield. The grandstand will be open for seating, but is less than ideal for viewing, due to its canopy and the tree cover.

Because of fire safety issues, the majority of the infield will be marked “off limits” for viewing. However, there is plenty of room at the fairgrounds, so plan to see the display up close and personal. Lawn chairs or blankets and mosquito repellant are recommended.

J & M Displays, Inc. of Yarmouth, IA has designed a unique show for Morrison. Nearly every vantage point within, and near, the city limits will have access to the high, glittering pyrotechnics. View them from your home, a park, or the Morrison High School stadium bleachers. Our test explosions were seen 28 miles away!

Financial "Leaders," the city of Morrison and Wells Fargo NA, generously donated funds for the fireworks.

The Fulton Saddle Club will assist with parking at the venue, and the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol will provide security.

As a fundraiser for Green Hills Council and Morrison Sesquicentennial, local Girl Scouts will sell glow necklaces during the early evening. Please indulge in some whimsy and glow with pride!

Sesquicentennial Leaders

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
June 12, 2005