FRIEND OF THE FAIR

.Since 1989, the Whiteside County Fair Board has chosen to honor an individual or group for their outstanding support or commitment to the Fair

The Whiteside County Fair Board has selected Exhibitors Kristen Pruis & Mary Jo Tichler as 2025 Friends of the Fair. 

Photo Source – VintageAerial.com

 

 

 

The 2026, Friend of the Fair . . . .

Kenny Ryals

Each year, the Whiteside County Fair Board of Directors seeks to honor those who are an integral part of making our fair so special. We recognize this honor by naming a Friend of the Fair, and this year we are pleased to announce that the 2026 Friend of the Fair is Kenny Ryals. 
 
Kenny shared his heartfelt response to being a recipient of this honor with us:
 
To begin, this fair and its patrons are truly our dear friends.

Kenny’s journey with the Whiteside County Fair began 50 years ago, working alongside his parents at just ten years old, serving up classic treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and candy apples. Forty-one years ago, Kenny married Denise, who was also raised in the concessions business. Together, alongside their adult sons, Blake and Grant, they proudly continue the family tradition at this very fair.

As the “Friend of the Fair” honor beautifully demonstrates, a fair and a business like ours cannot succeed without an extended family of friends. We are deeply honored to be invited back year after year. The Whiteside County Fair remains one of our absolute favorites, and building a relationship with everyone here has been effortless.

We meet countless people in this line of work, but those we see year after year – the customers we’ve watched grow from children into adults – hold a truly special place in our hearts. Please stop by, wave, and say hello. Our philosophy has always been simple: make life easier for others, bring solutions instead of complaints, and always remain grateful for your blessings.

The Whiteside County Fair Board of Directors remains grateful to Kenny and his family for their continued contribution to upholding tradition at our fair. 

Previous Years Honoree's

1989 – Eddie Schuler

1990 – Betty Whitebread

1991 – Calvin Simpson

1992 – Marge Smit

1993 – Ralph Frymark

1994 – Tom Vogel

1995 – Orville Goodenough

1996 – Paul Dell

1997 – Donald Ramsdell

1998 – Judith Ross

1999 – Larry Fredericks & Loren Todd

2000 – Whiteside County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol

2001 – Whiteside County Master Gardeners

2002 – Francis “Pat” Keegan

2003 – Randy Holesinger

2004 – Pat & Doug Skinner

2005 – Morrison Volunteer Fire Department

2006 – Abbott Family

2007 – Merle Reisenbigler

2008 – Frank Belt & Norman Isenhart Family’s

2009 – Mark Schuler

2010 – Vandermyde Family

2011 – Birkey’s/Prophetstown Equipment

2012 – Morrison Blacktop/Stralow Family

2013 – Popcorn Bob & Marilyn Green

2014 – Paul Vock & Dan Heusinkveld

2015 – Fran Gross

2016 – Dale Coleson Family

2017 – Morrison Athletic Boosters

2018 – Gary Folkers Family

2019 – Jill Miller & Goldie Svendsen

2020 – Fair Cancelled – COVID-19

2021 – William “Corndog Billy” Fickling

2022 – Tom Venhuizen & Family

2023 – Bruce “Beav” Hunter

2024 – Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office

2025 – Kristen Pruis & Mary Jo Tichler 

2026 – Kenny Ryals