press releases
May 25, 2023
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
23-01
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORRISON — The Whiteside County Fair is extremely excited to announce that we will have a night of BRAND NEW grandstand entertainment for the 152nd Fair! This year we welcome Full Throttle Monster Trucks on THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023 , and the crowd will be wowed by the famous “BIG FOOT” truck!
Monster trucks have been a favorite form of entertainment and excitement for decades. Since the 1970s, forms of monster trucks have raced, done daring tricks, and several unlucky cars have fallen victim to the giant trucks who set out with only one goal in mind – destruction. Make sure you don’t miss this exciting night of entertainment at the Whiteside County Fair. In addition to “BIG FOOT,” the crowd will get to watch several trucks perform in front of the grandstand at 7:00 p.m.
The Fair opens on Tuesday, August 15 th and concludes after five fun-filled days on Saturday, August 19 th.
Please follow the Whiteside County Fair on Facebook and check our website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org for the latest information!
the latest information!
August 11, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-07
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORRISON — The Whiteside County Fair has an amazing line up of daily events at this year’s fair and it is sure to please all who attend! The Fair starts on Tuesday, August 16th and completes after five fun filled days on Saturday, August 20th. The 151st annual fair, held at the fairgrounds in Morrison, IL, has something for everyone that you won’t want to miss!
Here are some of the many things going on during the day.
Cake & Pie Walk Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4:00 pm.
Chicken Poo Bingo at 3:00 & 5:00 pm. Tuesday – Friday
Grandpa Cratchet Stage Show throughout the day.
Bertrand’s Petting Zoo & Pony Rides daily
Bike Give Away – Sign up at the Blue Building during each day and the drawing is Tuesday – Friday 6:00 pm & Saturday 2:00 & 6:00 pm.
Wood Carving every day of the fair with the auction Saturday at 4:00 pm.
Livestock Judged Tuesday – Friday. Check the website schedule for specific times.
Bingo Nightly 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
MABAS display schedule:
Thursday – Touch a fire truck/ambulance
Friday – Touch a fire truck/ambulance
Saturday – Grain bin demo, water fights, and safety house
Carnival Ride Wristband Days – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm for a cost of $30.00 Each day.
Carnival Ride MEGA BAND (Anytime carnival is open) Pre-Fair $60.00 and Week of the Fair $70.00
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. There is no doubt without your continued support, our fair would not have been successful and been able to continue for 151 years. We appreciate your support in keep the fair going strong, so we can continue with this important part of our county’s heritage for years to come. Check out our website for more information about the fair at www.whitesidecountyfair.org
August 7, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-06
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORRISON –Antique tractor buffs will have a heyday at this year’s 151st Annual Whiteside County Fair, which runs August 16-20.
Display your Antique Tractor at this year’s Whiteside County Fair. Each participant will receive a 151st Whiteside County Fair plaque to display on their antique tractor. The exhibitor’s will fire up their engines for the parade about one hour before the start of that evening’s truck and tractor pulls at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19th. Anyone displaying their Antique Farm Tractor at the 2022 Whiteside County Fair will be required to purchase a Season Membership Pass which will automatically enter them into the exhibition. Due to space constraints, the display will be limited to “restored or good original” tractors. The fair also welcomes for display, hit and miss engines that are in working order. No garden tractors or implements are allowed unless the implements are mounted to the tractor. Pre-registration is recommended and can be done by contacting Ron Shank at 815-772-7157.
For more information about these, or any other fair events, check out the fair’s website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org
Augusts 5, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-05
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE 151st ANNUAL WHITESIDE COUNTY FAIR, WHICH STARTS TUESDAY, AUGUST 16th, AND RUNS THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th, WILL HONOR THE VENHUIZEN FAMILY AS FRIEND OF THE FAIR.
MORRISON – “Friend of the Fair” honorees. Since 1989, the board has sought to honor those who have made an extra effort to support and make the annual Fair as much fun as possible for all those who participate and attend the many shows and events.
The Whiteside County Fair Board is pleased to announce that our 2022 Friend of the Fair is The Venhuizen Family.
The Venhuizen Family started participating in the Whiteside County Fair some years ago when Kenny and Nancy both showed beef cattle when they were young kids in 4-H. They got married in 1956 and had their children, Tom and Kim, who also grew up showing beef cattle and even added in showing hogs. Kenny, with the help of Tom, enjoyed restoring antique tractors and displaying them on the grounds and in the parade. Kenny began tractor pulling in the 60’s at the fair and then Kenny and Tom became the superintendent of the tractor pull in the early 70’s. The Venhuizen family was always there to help with the pull. Kenny built many pulling tractors over the years and most donned the name, “Blue Max.” After years of helping and watching his dad build pulling tractors, Tom started his tractor pulling career in 1977 by building his own modified tractor, “Panic.” After some hard years farming, both men retired from the competitor side of tractor pulling but the call to the track was still strong for the Venhuizen men. In the early 90’s, Kenny purchased his sled called “Mean Green” and operated it at the tractor pull. Later in the 90’s, Tom and Amy bought a sled as well. Their sled, called “The Mechanical Mule”, took over the pull after Kenny sold his sled and retired from pulling. The Venhuizen family has operated their sleds down the track at the Whiteside County Fair many times for many years, and last year was the final time Tom ran his sled down the track. He retired as well from pulling after 26 years of running the Mule. Sadly, Kenny passed in December of 2020. His presence in that special final time down the track was felt by many.
The Whiteside County Fair Board would like to thank the Venhuizen Family for all they have done for this fair and the many other fairs they have traveled to.
Congratulations to our 2022 Friend of the Fair, “The Venhuizen Family”
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair so we can continue on with this important part of our county’s heritage for years to come. Check out our website for more information about the fair at www.whitesidecountyfair.org
August 2, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-04
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHITESIDE COUNTY FAIR OFFICE HOURS FOR ENTRIES AND TICKET SALES
MORRISON –Whiteside County Fair office will be open for business beginning Monday, Aug. 8th, for the entire week prior to the 151st annual Whiteside County Fair which kicks off Aug. 16th.
The office of the secretary and treasurer are in the building near the grandstand at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, in Morrison, and will be open the week before the fair from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8th through Friday, Aug. 12th. Saturday, August 13th the hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. During this time they will be accepting hand delivered entries, processing those received by mail, selling reserved grandstand seating for the Demo Derby, season tickets, and Mega Passes.
MEGA PASS – Can be purchased for $60.00 Monday, August 8th through Monday, August 15th. Once the Fair starts, Mega Pass price increases to $70.00 and will need to be purchased from the Carnival. This will let you ride any of the Wilson Family Rides when the Carnival is open during the 2022 Whiteside County Fair.
Reserved grandstand seating for Saturday night’s demolition derby will go on sale Monday, August 8th at 8:00 a.m. in the Secretary’s Office for $10.00 per person. The Demo Derby is the only show that has reserved seating available and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis with a limited number of seats available. Reserved seating may be purchased online beginning Tuesday August 9th at Eventbrite.com. Saving seats by using blankets, etc. for general seating is not allowed. Any items used for saving seats will be removed by the fair staff.
There are no entry fees for exhibits in the Departments of Agriculture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Textiles, Culinary and Hobbies. However, adult exhibitors must purchase the $25.00 season membership ticket and junior exhibitors that are 6-11 years of age must purchase a $5.00 season ticket to enter in junior departments. That ticket allows the exhibitor to enter items in any of the departments listed above and provides unlimited admission to the fairgrounds throughout the fair’s five-day run.
Livestock exhibitors are required to pay exhibit fees and should consult the website for details.
All exhibitors are urged to refer to the website for details on the requirements to enter the various competitions, which this year offers over $119,000 in premiums, purses and prizes. Entries/Premium information can also be downloaded from the fair website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org in the premium section.
Entries must be done online or in writing, with the applicable fees submitted by the appropriate deadlines as listed on the website. All entries close on Saturday August 13, 2022
The office will accommodate those wishing to buy season membership tickets, which allows the ticket-holder unlimited admission to the fair. An adult season membership ticket costs $25.00 each, while a child’s weekly pass is $5.00. Tickets for both children and adults may also be purchased at the gate during the fair. Single adult daily admission for the fair is $10.00 for those 12 years and older, and $2.00 for children ages 6 through 11. Children 5 and under are free.
The fair officially starts at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 16th with the Pleasure Horse Show at the “River Valley Coop Arena” in the infield.
All the information you need to get ready for the Fair is at your fingertips on our website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org. The written inquires can be directed to the Whiteside County Fair, P.O. Box 88, Morrison, IL 61270.
July 20, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-03
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORRISON — The Whiteside County 151st Fair is less than a month away and another impressive lineup of entertainment is in place that is sure to wow all crowds! The Fair opens on Tuesday, August 16th and completes after five amazing days on Saturday, August 20th, and you will not want to miss it!! The 151st annual fair, held at the fairgrounds in Morrison, IL, has many exciting attractions and something for everyone.
Tuesday, August 16th evening entertainment is Pro-Bull Riding starting at 7:00 p.m. Cheer on as these brave cowboys prepare to hang on for 8 seconds while their four-legged nemesis try to spoil their plan. Other events to start the fair off are the Pleasure Horse Show at 9:00 a.m., Large Fowl Judged is canceled because of avian influenza restrictions, Open Swine Judging at Noon & Jr. Swine Judging at 4:30 p.m., Kids Tractor Pedal Pull at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17th at 7:00 p.m. for the 1st time we will have Pro-Bronc Riding. This event will involve a rodeo participant riding a bucking horse (sometimes called Bronco) that attempts to throw or buck off the rider before the 8 seconds is up. Originally based on the necessary buck breaking skills of a working cowboy, the event is now a highly stylized competition that utilizes horses that often are specially bred for strength, agility, and bucking ability. Other events during the day are the Exhibition Barrels that will start at 8:00 a.m. and Western Horse speed events and Dairy Judging at 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 18th the evening grandstand entertainment will be Karen as Dolly. This favorite Dolly Parton tribute artist will be on the big stage for everyone to see. Possessing a wide array of performance experience, a serous set of pipes, and a dead-on tone, Karen Hester brings her Dolly Parton act to life at 7:00 p.m. Other events that day will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Beef Cattle – Jr. Show being judged at the Beef Show Arena. The Heavy Horse Hitches including 4 Horse in front of the grandstand at 9:00 a.m. and Halter Classes at 1:00 p.m. by the grandstand.
Friday, August 19th The Illini State Pullers Association brings in their “souped up” Tractors & Trucks that will pull the sled showing off the horsepower under the hood in front of the grandstand again this year at 6:30 p.m. right after the Antique Tractor Parade that starts at 5:30 p.m. During the morning at 9:00 a.m. the Heavy Horse Hitch Classes will be shown in front of the grandstands. The Open Beef Show will be judged in the Beef Show Arena at 9:00 a.m. also. At 1:00 p.m. the Heavy Horses come back as they thunder in front of the grandstand to entertain you with the Big 6 Horse and Unicorn Hitches.
Saturday, August 20th at 6:30 p.m., the car crushing, adrenaline pumping, smoke-filled Demolition Derby will finish off the fabulous five-days of crowd-pleasing entertainment and what is sure to be an amazing experience for all who attend! The horses are at the post as Harness Racing is on the track at 1:00 p.m. Some other events on Saturday are Kids Tractor Pedal Pull at 11:00 a.m. & Wood Carving Auction at 4:00 p.m. As always, the fair board works very hard to provide something for everyone, please come and enjoy the fair.
The Mega Band is back again this year and Wilson Family Show will entertain fairgoers with their outstanding carnival and midway attractions. Patrons can ride unlimited rides every day of the fair for $60.00 (if purchased in advance the week before the fair at the Secretary’s office) or $70.00 during the fair. Grandpa Cratchet Stage Show will return this year along with our Bike Give Away each day of the fair and the Cake/Pie Walk. New to the Fair this year, we welcome Bertrand’s Petting Zoo & Pony Rides throughout the day, every day.
Thank you for supporting the Whiteside County Fair. There is no doubt without your continued support, our fair would not remain as we have enjoyed over the years. It’s no secret with the budget cuts the State of Illinois has imposed, we need your help and support to keep our fair going strong so we can continue with this important part of our county’s heritage for years to come. Check out our website for more information about the fair at www.whitesidecountyfair.org
July 6, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-02
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ENTRIES NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2022 – 151st ANNUAL WHITESIDE COUNTY FAIR, WHICH RUNS TUESDAY, AUGUST 16th THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th
MORRISON – 2022 Entry Information. Online entries are now being accepted for the 151st Annual Whiteside County Fair, which runs August 16th – 20th. The Whiteside County Fair no longer publishes Premium Books, but the pages are available online at www.whitesidecountyfair.org Look for the “Entries/Premiums” at the top right corner of the website page and click on it for all the information you need. There is over $119,000 in premiums offered in prize money to the winners in over 1,500 different classes.
The Whiteside County Fair accepts Visa and MasterCard for entries and ticket purchases. You can make your entries online by following the premiums link and use your Visa or MasterCard for payment. All the information you need to get ready for the Whiteside County Fair is at your fingertips on our website. You can also print the “Entry Blank” form and fill it out. Entries must be delivered to the Secretary’s Office the week prior to the fair in person or mail them to P.O. Box 88 Morrison, IL.
Check out our website for more information about the fair at www.whitesidecountyfair.org
April 27, 2022
Whiteside County Fair Press Release
22-01
For further information, contact:
Todd Mickley, Director of Publicity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORRISON — The Whiteside County Fair is extremely excited to announce that our 2022 musical guest, performing THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022, is none other than our favorite Dolly Parton tribute artist, Karen as Dolly!
From Gospel to Country, Karen Hester has delighted audiences around the world! Her bright, angelic vocals; accompanied by her captivating stage presence, touches the lives of people internationally. With musical and theatrical chops setting root from a very young age, she has enjoyed many different roles in productions both on and off stage. She continues following her passion for entertaining through many ventures including her own tribute show to Dolly Parton, “Karen as Dolly.”
Recent television appearances include performing live on AXS TV’s show, “World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” in Hollywood, CA. She recently appeared on “Clash of the Cover Bands”, a competition show on E! Network winning her episode as well as being the series Season One overall winner. She recently performed on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” paying tribute to Dolly.
With this wide array of performance experience, a serious set of pipes, and a dead-on tone, Karen Hester brings her Dolly Parton act to life. Be prepared for an entertaining gal with a heart of gold that will keep you smiling and eager for more!
The Fair opens on Tuesday, August 16th and concludes after five fun filled days on Saturday, August 20nd
Please continue to check the Whiteside County Fair Facebook page and website at www.whitesidecountyfair.org for updates.