“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 the 2025 “Friend of the Fair,” are Kristen Pruis & Mary Jo Tichler.
Kristen began showing in the horse speed events at the Whiteside County Fair in 1975. She has placed numerous times over the years and continues to participate in the speed show. She competes in the barrel racing and pole bending events. In 1992, Kristen added helping her father, Superintendent Arlyn Habben with the Draft Horse show to her Fair duties. She continued to help her father with the show until his passing.
She then helped Draft Superintendents Mike Wiersema, Glen Franks and John Mosher with the draft horse shows. She stepped away from the Draft Horse show in 2022. She has met a lot of great people over the years and stops in to catch up with them during fair week. The Whiteside County Fair has always been a big part of Kristen’s life from her childhood and extending to her own family. She has been bringing her children to the fair over the years and hopes someday to be able to share the fair experience with her grandchildren.
Mary Jo began entering Pies in the Culinary Department in 1984. Pies were the only items she entered as she was also working full-time, which limited her commitment. Mary Jo added more entries yearly. She retired from her full-time job in 2011 which allowed her to enter a large number of items. Once she received the fair book, she would create a list of items to enter.
Some years, entering over 100 items in baked and canned goods. Mary Jo received the Premier Exhibitor award for 3 straight years. She also received the award numerous times over her exhibiting career. Mary Jo has decided to hang up her apron this year and retire from showing her baked goods. She still plans to enter canned items. She is hoping that the younger generations will pick up where she left off.
Congratulation Kristen Pruis & Mary Jo Tichler for being the 2025 Friend of the Fair!
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
