The fifth annual 2008 Bushnell Horse Show, to be held Friday, June 27 at the west edge of this McDonough County community, promises to be yet another great event, according to show organizers. This years show marks the 100th Anniversary of the very first Bushnell Horse Show, which started in October 1908. 

The Bushnell Horse Show will begin with lead line class at 5:30 p.m., presentation of the flags and opening ceremonies are at 6 p.m., followed by ladies draft horse cart class, side saddle class, men's draft horse cart class, two-seat buggy, draft horse mare team, draft horse gelding team and cart classes.

At 8 p.m., viewers will be entrained by Homespun Country followed by the North American classic draft six horse hitch, single seat buggy, draft horse four mare hitch, draft horse four gelding hitch, farm wagon, draft horse unicorn mare hitch and draft horse unicorn gelding hitch competitions.

"This has become one of the better draft horse hitch shows in the tri-state region," said Ruth Ann McGrew, who chairs the event. "The last four years we have had very successful shows with nine to thirteen 'sixes,' (six-team horses) competing in our North American Classic Six Horse Hitch class. Several of those teams finish in the National Finals held in October each year. We look forward to having those great teams return to Bushnell each year and hope to have even more participants this year."

The past four shows have featured some of the best Belgian and Percheron hitches in the country. Teams come from many different states and as far as Canada to compete. McGrew states that two of the greatest attractions to our exhibitors are the quality of the show that the organizers instilled in the Bushnell Horse Show as well as the hospitality of the community of Bushnell and west central Illinois.

McGrew said the show wouldn't be possible without the help and support of local and regional businesses, organizations, and individuals that are providing all of the monetary support and countless hours of donated time. "As was the case with the Bushnell Horse Show of 1908, the show is completely funded by local businesses and residents. This great show began 100 years ago with the will of this community and it returned five years ago with the will of this community," said McGrew.

Show organizers are delighted with the continued quality of the entries. Many of the teams have won prestigious competitions at other shows in the United States and Canada.

For the 2008 show, organizers have added the down-home music of Bob Hamm's band Homespun Country. This delightful country music show was featured in an "On the Road" segment of Channel 8 news out of the Quad Cities recently. Fairs, festivals and local residents "pack in" for Bob's country charm.

"This show is a really fun event and offers something for young and old alike," said McGrew. It's something you can bring the whole family to."

The event is scheduled as a start to the Fourth of July holiday and will by followed by the third annual Bushnell fireworks that are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 3 at the same location. 

Admission to the horse show is $12 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Advance tickets are available at Bushnell City Hall in Bushnell, No Place Like Home in Macomb, and Riden Farm Supply in Good Hope. Advance Tickets sell at $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under.