2005 Year in Review

Fairgrounds Protocol

The upcoming community celebration will not be a copy of the Whiteside County Fair, even though most activities will take place within the fairgrounds.

To avoid confusion among tens of thousands of anticipated visitors, Morrison Sesquicentennial feels the need to explain procedures during the July 8-10 weekend.

No alcohol will be sold or allowed on the fairgrounds.

A general admission ticket is required for entrance to the fairgrounds at all times. However, the same ticket can be used all three days. It admits visitors to all the attractions in the fairgrounds at no additional charge.

The price is $2 for all ages, making them affordable. Only children who are not yet walking will be admitted free.

No wristbands will be sold and no hands will be stamped for return admission on the same day. This means visitors must keep their ticket with them. If a ticket is lost or left at home, an additional $2 ticket must be purchased.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Sesquicentennial Store, 218 W. Main, from 1 to 4 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday. This will ease entrance to the fairgrounds during crowded times.

Admission tickets will be sold only at gates 1 and 2 during the July weekend. There is no admittance from the far west gate, near Waterworks Park, because there is no parking available in that area. This is the launch area for the fireworks.

Less parking areas will be available at the fairgrounds than one finds during the Whiteside County Fair. The committee urges visitors to park along neighborhood streets and walk into the fairgrounds.

Handicapped spaces are available to the east of gate 1. Limited general parking is available to the west of gate 2, where horses are usually pastured.

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
June 30, 2005