Heroes galore during Gurnee Days Parade

The streets of Gurnee were filled with superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Superman and Captain America during Sunday's Gurnee Days parade.

But there were real heroes, too, in the form of Navy sailors, firefighters and police officers.

Featuring more than 70 entries, including local marching bands, hero-themed floats and more, the parade traveled down Old Grand Avenue as one of the highlights of the four-day festival that also featured live music, fireworks and a rib-eating contest.

"The theme is 'Celebrating Heroes.' The Navy is out here and are our heroes as well as any of our national arms," said Ryan Tanis, member of the Gurnee Days Parade Committee.

"We also have superheroes. So it will be a nice mix of people who fight for our country and also fun superheroes."

Gurnee Days Honorees Elmer and Betty Fallos, who have made volunteering and giving the focus of their lives, served as grand marshals.

While the parade is one of the festival's traditional attractions, Gurnee Days organizers introduced two new events this year: Spikeball, a Chicago-based beach game that involves elements of volleyball and foursquare, and a dunk tank featuring community leaders taking their turns getting dunked for a cause.

The first Gurnee Days festival was held in 1973. The Gurnee Days Corporation, a nonprofit organization of volunteers, was formed in 1979 and has been planning the annual celebration since then.