45th Annual Gurnee Days Gearing Up for Summer Fun
The 45th annual Gurnee Days celebration will take place Aug. 10-13, 2017, in Viking Park and other venues throughout the village.
This year's theme is "Gurnee Days - Let's Play Ball!", a nod to the Chicago Cubs World Series championship but also to the popular park district activities enjoyed by residents of all ages and the many youth sports teams active in the area.
New officers elected to lead the volunteer organization this year were sworn in by Lake County Circuit Judge Valerie Boettle Ceckowski. They are President Sue McDougle, President-Elect Scott Crowe, Treasurer Deanne Fisher and Secretary Kay Wilt.
Many of the most popular Gurnee Days events will return in 2017. Events kick off on Thursday, Aug. 10, with a bike rodeo and teen pool party, but also the traditional Testimonial Dinner honoring an individual or couple who has made a significant contribution to the Gurnee community. More details about the honoree and other Gurnee Days events will be released as plans are finalized.
Friday, Aug. 11, will feature a bike rodeo, story time, amusement rides, Gurnee Idol singing competition, food booths, the beer garden and live entertainment. The Gina Glocksen Band is scheduled to perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Viking Park Bandshell. Glocksen was raised in the Chicago area and finished in the top 10 on the sixth season of "American Idol."
Saturday, Aug. 12, dawns with a golf tournament and 10K race and fun walk. The Exchange Club once again will serve up tasty meals at Ribfest in Viking Park most of the afternoon and evening. There will be open houses at the public works, police and fire departments, tours of the historic Mother Rudd House and more.
Two live bands will perform Saturday evening in the Viking Park Band Shell - GooRoos, a high-energy, seven-piece cover band from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and Hi Infidelity, billed as Chicagoland's favorite classic rock band, from 8 to 11 p.m. The always spectacular fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m.
The Fraternal Order of Police will host the annual pancake breakfast fund-raiser from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 13, at the park, while the Gurnee Days Parade will step off at noon on Old Grand Avenue in the heart of the village.
In between the main events, Viking Park is filled with families and friends enjoying the petting zoo, kids' talent show, stage entertainment, ice cream and rib eating contests, police canine demonstration, a Zumba party, amusement rides, exhibitors, food and games.
The Gurnee Days Corporation, a not-for-profit organization of volunteers, has been planning and orchestrating the annual Gurnee Days celebration for 45 years. The corporation meets the first Wednesday evening of the month at the Gurnee Police Department. Gurnee Days is funded by cash or in-kind contributions from area businesses, individuals and civic organizations. Without their support, Gurnee Days would not be possible. To make a donation, volunteer or for additional information, write to the Gurnee Days Corp., P.O. Box 111, Gurnee IL 60031, call 847-623-7788, or visit www.GurneeDays.com.