Prepare for a plethora of entertainment opportunities offered during the 143rd Whiteside County Fair, Tuesday, August 13, through Saturday, August 17, 2013. Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. With budget cuts from the State of Illinois, we need your help to keep the Fair going for many years to come.
2013 Friends of the Fair
The Whiteside County Fair Board is proud to announce Popcorn Bob Landon and Marilyn Green as “2013 Friend of the Fair” honorees. Since 1989, the Board honored those who made an extra effort of support and made the annual Fair as much fun as possible, for participants and attendees of shows and events. The Board offers its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many years of friendship with Popcorn Bob and Marilyn Green, and for everything they have done for the Whiteside County Fair.
Something for Everyone
New this year is the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, August 17. Contact Howard Scott for rules and instructions at 309-912-4576. Entrees are limited. Tuesday, August 13, the Fair opens with the Western Horse Show at 8:00 a.m. in the infield at the newly configured “Gold Star F.S. Arena”. That night for the grandstand entertainment is the Pro-Bull Riding at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, starts with Exhibition Barrels at “Gold Star F.S. Arena” at 8:00 a.m., with Speed Events at 9:00. Thursday, August 15, Heavy Horse Hitch Judging starts at 8:00 a.m., with 6- 4-Horse and Unicorn Hitches at 1:00 p.m. Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers Thrill Show is the featured entertainment on Wednesday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, August 15, the Cal Stage Band entertains at 7:00 p.m. in the grandstand. Friday, August 16, starts off with Heavy Horse Halter Judged at 8:30 a.m. Friday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. five classes of souped-up tractors and trucks take over the grandstand after the Antique Tractor Parade at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, August 17, at 10:00 a.m. the Horseshoe Tournament takes place in the infield. At 6:30 p.m. the Demolition Derby will conclude the five-day evening grandstand events.
Chances will be sold at a nominal cost to win a tasty treat in the cake walks and pie parades, held Tuesday, August 13, through Friday, August 16, at 4:00 p.m. at the Culinary Department, in the large exhibition hall north of the Secretary’s office.
Harness Racing begins Friday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17, the action starts at 1:00 p.m. Children’s Pedal Pulls are scheduled on Tuesday, August 13, at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 17, at 11:00 a.m., with six divisions for youngsters ages 4 through 12. There will be a Bicycle Give-away each day.
Bingo returns thanks to Pearl City Lions Club, open every week night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 17, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Over $115,500 in premiums will be offered to winners in over 1500 different classes. The 60-page premium books are available at banks throughout the County or at www.whitesidecountyfair.org.
Enter Your Antique Tractor for Display
Each participant will receive a 143rd Whiteside County Fair plaque to display on their tractor. Exhibitors will fire up their engines for the parade about one hour before the start of the Truck and Tractor Pulls at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, August 16, 2013. Anyone displaying an antique tractor is required to purchase a Season Membership Pass, which automatically enters you into the exhibition. Due to space constraints, display are limited to “restored or good original” tractors. Also welcome for display are hit-and-miss engines in working order. No garden tractors or implements are allowed, unless implements are mounted to the tractor. Pre-registration is recommended by contacting Ron Shank at 772-7157 or Francis Venhuizen at 772-3241.
Back by Popular Demand
LogHoggers Chainsaw Sculpting Competition will begin on Tuesday, August 13, and run through Saturday, August 17, 2013, with the auction on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. This event will be sponsored again by Five Star Enterprises, 15649 Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL. Make sure you stop by daily and see what is being made. The artists will be located close to the Secretary’s office–or just follow the sound of the chainsaws. Next-Level Pro-Bullriding will create excitement on Tuesday night, August 13. Watch the bulls blast from the shoots, with the riders hand-tied and trying to stay on for eight seconds. Grandpa Cratchet puppet show will return to the Fair, and Wilson Family Rides will provide the midway entertainment. MEGA PASS can be purchased for $45 the week before the Fair and on Monday, August 12. On Tuesday, August 13, the cost is $50. Ride any of the Wilson Family Rides when the Carnival is open Tuesday through Saturday. Other options. $15 gets a rider unlimited rides from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on “wristband days”–Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. “Midway Madness” from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, allows unlimited rides with purchase of a $25 wristband.
Tour the Round Barn During the Fair
Tours of the Whiteside County Fairground’s historic “round barn” were so popular that they are being scheduled during the 143rd annual Whiteside County Fair. Twice-daily free tours, given by former Board member and Friend of the Fair Ed Abbott, will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.,Wednesday, August 14, through Friday, August 16, 2013. To take the tour, assemble outside the Secretary’s office in the center of the fairgrounds. Each tour will take 30 to 60 minutes. The century old barn–which actually has 14 sides–is only one of a few remaining from the turn of the century with such an historic link to the past. In recent years, volunteers and Fair Board members have made a special commitment to restoration and renovation of the barn, which serves as a focal point of the fairgrounds. During fair week heavy horse exhibitors turn the barn into a showplace for their beautiful livestock, as they await their turns in the show ring.
For more information about Fair events, check out the Fair’s website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org.