Gurnee Days begins its four-day run Aug. 11
">Gurnee Days returns this week for four days with a medieval theme.
Most of the Gurnee Days action will be at Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., just east of O#146;Plaine Road.
Gurnee Days officially kicks off at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, with a bicycle rodeo for children at Woodland Middle School on Washington Street. Gurnee police will run the event, which includes bicycle safety checks and an obstacle course.
Another first-day highlight will be the Sounds of Summer concert at Viking Park.
On Friday, Aug. 12, Gurnee Days hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Amusement rides will begin at 5 p.m. at Viking Park, followed by a free disc-catching event for dogs at 6 p.m.
Viking Park#146;s band shell will be the place to be at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 for Gurnee Idol, based on the #147;American Idol#148; TV show. High school singers will perform before an audience and a panel of judges in order to be crowned Gurnee Idol.
Exhibits, games and food booths will open at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Viking Park. Daytime highlights include a baby contest at 11 a.m. at the Viking Park band shell, along with ribs, pulled pork and other food served by the Gurnee Exchange Club from 3 to 11 p.m. An invitation-only rib eating contest is at 3 p.m.
Mike and Joe, a popular cover band, will entertain at the Viking Park band shell from 8-11 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Aug. 14, a pancake breakfast will be served from 7-11 a.m. at Viking Park. At noon, the Gurnee Days parade will step off at Old Grand and Greenleaf avenues with at least 75 entries.
Former Gurnee village attorney Barbara Swanson will lead the parade as this year#146;s Gurnee Days parade marshal. The theme will be #147;Gurnee Days #8212; Medieval Knights.#148;