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Gilberts Community Days adds kids' activities, shuttle bus

Gilberts Community Days, which began six years ago as a small street fair, has grown into a four-day festival, with new offerings added every year.

The festival opens Thursday, May 29, and runs through Sunday, June 1, at Town Square Park, route 72 and Center Drive.

This year, children's activities have been expanded, said Debra Meadows, village clerk.

"We have a children's activity tent that has free craft supplies for children to make their own crafts," said Debra Meadows, village clerk. "We also have three magic shows, stilt walking and balloon twisting on Saturday."

On Sunday, she said, another show in the children's tent will feature magician Paul Lee. The petting zoo will return this year as well, as will face painting.

Another new feature is a shuttle bus which will allow attendees to park at Dundee Middle School and ride to the festival.

"This year we are offering shuttle service from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; it's sponsored by the YMCA," Meadows said.

Windy City Amusements carnival rides continue to be a highlight of the festival, and $25 daily unlimited ride wristbands will be available from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

A variety of bands are scheduled to play each day, including returning headliners American English, who will play at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31. Other performers will offer everything from country to blues and rockabilly.

The food vendors and beer and spirits tent will return to this year's festival, Meadows said, as will the classic car show.

As in years past, festival admission is free. For more information, visit villageofgilberts.com or call (847) 428-2861.

The Windy City Amusements carnival rides are a highlight of Gilberts' annual Community Days festival, which runs Thursday through Sunday in Town Square Park. Daily Herald File photo
Beatles tribute band American English will perform Saturday, May 31, at Gilberts Community Days. Daily Herald File Photo

If you go

What: Gilberts Community Days

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 29-30; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 31; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1

Where: Town Square Park, Route 72 and Center Drive

Admission: Free; $25 for carnival wristbands

Details: <a href="http://www.villageofgilberts.com">www.villageofgilberts.com</a> or (847) 428-2861

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