The excitement begins with the arrival of the Easter Bunny for this annual event sponsored by the Morrison Kiwanis and High School Key Club, held the Saturday before Easter Sunday at Kiwanis Park, west of the baseball field on North Genesee Street. Hunts are held for children age 2 and under; 3 to 4; 5 to 6; and 7 to 9. Bring your own container and a camera for photos with the big bunny. There is no rain date.

Held on a Friday and a Saturday in June, contact the Whiteside News Sentinel at (815) 772-7244.

This event features hundreds of pieces of art created by students from all Morrison schools, K-12 during the school year. Held at the MJHS over a two-day weekend in May, attendance has increasingly grown at the Art Show and students look forward to them as a way to show their family and peers their work. Visit the Children’s Art Preservation Association website at www.paintthetownmorrison.com for more information.

Located at 13524 Black Road, the Bike Barn is home to off-road racing events for M/C’s, ATV’s, 4×4 Trucks, and Demolition Derby’s such as the annual “Firecracker Weekend” held on 4th of July Weekend featuring Bogs, Drags, MotoX and a fireworks display.

Held on Memorial Day to honor our Veterans, the parade begins on Main Street and proceeds to Grove Hill Cemetery for a patriotic ceremony.

Morrison’s Avenue of the Flags is on display along the two major highways through town – Route 30 and Route 78.  This project is made possible by the Morrison Lions Club, Morrison American Legion Post 328, and The City of Morrison.  The history of the Avenue of the Flags and full list of community supporters and honorees can be found here.

The annual county fair, held every August at the fairgrounds in Morrison, IL, starts and ends with a bang, with the crowd-pleasing demolition derbies grandstand events. The fair provides something for everyone, young and old alike including a carnival and midway attractions, a petting zoo, and grandstand events including harness racing and musical entertainment.  Check www.whitesidecountyfair.org for more information or phone the Secretary’s Office at (815) 772-7329.

The third Saturday in September, starting at 8:00 AM, the Harvest Hammer event is held at the Morrison High School.  The major race event, sponsored by Morrison Rotary, includes a Duathlon for men and women; a Children’s Fun Run for children 5th grade and under; a 1-mile challenge run for 5th-8th grad students; and a 5k run/walk for all.  Call(815) 772-3249 or online at www.harvesthammer.org for more information.

Morrison’s downtown is transformed into hundreds of works of art and self-expression during this popular CAPA sponsored event, held the third Saturday in September.  Painting begins at noon on Saturday and streets remain closed on Sunday for viewing.  Entertainment, street musicians, food, and live bands add to the festivities.  Call City of Morrison at (815) 772-7657 or visit www.paintthetownmorrison.com.

Held the Saturday after Labor Day at Morrison Rockwood State Park, 18750 Lake Road, Morrison. Children 15 and younger may participate, with registration starting at 8:30 AM.  It’s not necessary to catch a fish to be eligible to win one of the many prizes awarded.  Visit www.whiteside.org or call (815) 772-4044 for info.

In fall, the Bike Barn, 13524 Black Road is home to the nationally known Round 10 of the OMA National Off-Road Racing Series.  For more information and other events call (815) 778-3641 or visit www.unitedoffroadracing.com, or peatmonster.com.nfo.

Held the Saturday before Halloween, hundreds of Ghouls, Goblins, Princesses, Witches, Super Heroes and more converge on downtown Morrison.  Line-up for the parade begins at Community State Bank with the parade proceeding down Main Street to the Post Office.  All participants receive treat bags and prizes are awarded for best costumes.  Contact the Morrison Chamber of Commerce at (815) 772-3757. Parade is held, rain or shine. Sponsored by the Morrison Chamber of Commerce and local Cottonwood 4-H Club.

Each December, the first weekend in December, Morrison celebrates a “Hometown Christmas” with a lighted parade, window displays, business open houses, church suppers, holiday entertainment, and Santa visits.  Call the Morrison Chamber of Commerce for more information, (815) 772-3757.