Posing in the Chamber of Commerce photo booth, Dana Verdick symbolizes the carefree spirit of the family-friendly, Morrison Main Street Block Party, held on Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The “Department of Fun” volunteers–Amanda Cook, Carrie Melton, LeAnn Schaefer, Todd Schlegel, Nick Volkmann, and Dr. Bradley Yaklich–set the scene, to showcase the opening of the new 200 block of W. Main Street–from Orange-to-Base Streets
Businesses, the City of Morrison, Morrison Chamber of Commerce, Morrison Police and Morrison Fire Departments worked hard to decorate buildings, provide raffles/games, and offer cooling water activities.
Tegeler Accounting Services personnel held a Limbo Contest, Corn Hole (bag toss), and more games. Seated outside the office, left-to-right are TAS employee Trista Wright, who helped owner Joy Tegeler and other staff decorate a beach window scene; Tegeler; her friend, Kathy Hogue.
“Lots” of people visited the Dunk Tank, to soak Chief of Police Brian Melton; Officers Mike Moon, School Resource Officer Dan Simmons, Mason Sitzmore, and newest member, T. J. Spencer; Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker; local Illinois State Trooper Josh Vos. This was a fundraiser for Morrison Friends Food Pantry; $200 was raised, as the men were lowered. Chief Melton–who experienced numerous dunkings–stated, “It was fun!” Left-to-right are Yaklich, Sitzmore, Melton, and dry Officer Kevin Soenksen.
Food vendors included Holly’s Dogs and Dairy Mart Plus steak, chicken, and ground beef tacos. They reported being “very busy” during the four hours. Owner Melissa Butts sold six flavors of cotton candy. Department of Fun volunteer Yaklich tasted the airy confection as the event drew to a close.
Morrison Fire Department hosted Beach Ball Water Wars, squirting contests, and other fun, aqua activities. The girl on the right decided rather than move the ball, it would be more fun to soak her friend!
City of Morrison staff Shelli Davis and Barb King had decorated the front facade with fishing nets and sea creatures. To set the scene at City Hall, King added curbside plantings and mulch. Other staff (Jadyn Denning, Lori Matlack, and Katie Selburg) ran out of free slushies.
Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this report of Main Street Block Party #1.
July 25, 2021, marked the beginning of the end of the Morrison Main Street Renovation Project. The 200 block of W. Main Street was filled with families enjoying the first Morrison, IL, Main Street Block Party. Extreme heat added to the excitement and fun. Morrison public servants from the Fire Department, Police Department, and County Sheriff’s Department took their turns in the “dunk tank.” They invited any and all throwers to try to put them into the cool water.
The newly renovated street and curb was filled with entertainment events, sponsored by the merchants housed in the W. 200 block. Youngsters could play competitive water hose games, challenge their skills at Limbo dancing, spin the wheel for ice cream, or receive a face painting. Various sandwiches and snacks were available for all ages.
As each block is completed, a similar Block Party will be organized and announced as construction allows. Businesses located in each block being celebrated are challenged to design activities and offerings to [parallel or] surpass the efforts of Block One.
Sunday, July 25, was a true night of community celebration. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to gather, after a long isolation, and to have such a rewarding event to appreciate and share.
Retired Mayor Everett Pannier, left, offered his positive encouragement surrounding the long-awaited renovation project by noting, “The new downtown will be well worth it, when it is done.” Mayor Scott Vandermyde, right, added, “Most comments being offered are positive, and this Block Party is just the beginning.”
