Everything you need to know about Lake County's Gurnee Days
One of Lake County's largest summer festivals, Gurnee Days, returns this weekend. Gurnee Days President Bill Froese tells us what you need to know.
Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?
A. Even though Gurnee has grown into a large community, known for big attractions like Gurnee Mills and Six Flags, this four-day festival focuses on the small-town values that are the bedrock of our community: family, friendship, community involvement. It's a weekend filled with safe, fun, family-focused activities and entertainment that anyone, from toddlers to senior citizens, will enjoy.
Q.How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. Gurnee Days was started in 1973 by Gordon Gillings, a longtime mayor of Gurnee. Its focus then and now remains the same, to offer a family type weekend of entertainment and activities. Over the years, Gurnee Days has grown into a four-day festival, adding a car show, amusement rides, fireworks and new for 2009 - bingo.
Q.What's the highlight of the event?
A. Each day of the festival has one or more highlights. On Thursday, the Testimonial Dinner recognizes a Gurnee citizen who has made a significant contribution to the village for more than 10 years; on Friday, we have Gurnee Idol and the Movie in the Park; Saturday is everyone's favorite - fireworks; and, on Sunday, we have our parade followed by a Talent Show with more than 25 acts featuring performances from our younger residents ranging from 6 to 14 years old.
Q.What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. For kids, young and young at heart, there is a lot to do. On Thursday and Friday we conduct a bike rodeo, a bike safety check with opportunities for prizes and the chance to win a new bike. Thursday evening is the pool party for local teens at the Hunt Club Aquatic Center. During the day on Friday, we have Fairy Tales in the Park with storytellers from the Warren Newport Township Library. In the evening, a Canine Disc Championship, where local residents can have their dog compete for the title of Top Dog; Gurnee Idol, patterned after the popular television show; Movie in the Park featuring the recently released "Race to Witch Mountain;" plus the amusement rides. On Saturday, a wide range of activities including: a 10K race and 2-mile fun run; 3-on-3 soccer tournament; fire and police open houses, plus an open house at the Mother Rudd House, home to the Gurnee Historical Society; a young artists display; a baby contest; separate ice cream and rib-eating contests; nearly 60 exhibit display and game booths; a variety of stage events; amusement rides; and, capping the day, a huge fireworks display. On Sunday, the young artists and Mother Rudd programs continue, plus the parade, amusement rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, the talent show, a bag tournament and Thrivent will be sponsoring its "Make It a Habit-At" kids games and activity center.
Q.What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. For the young at heart, on Saturday morning we have the 10K race and a scramble format golf tournament. In the evening, the bandshell will feature live performances from Tokyo Fish Market, a local rock and roll cover band from Lake County, and Brat Pack, an '80s rock and roll band; the Breakfast Exchange Club will host its annual Ribfest and beer garden; and at 9:30, the day will be topped off with a fantastic fireworks display. Also, throughout the day, the American Legion will be hosting bingo at the dance hall in Viking Park and there are nearly 60 exhibit displays to visit. On Sunday, we have the parade, the Scoop the Loop Car Show, plus the exhibit displays and bingo continue.
Q.What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. This year, we will have 16 food vendors located in a food court area on the west side of Viking Park, adjacent to the amusement rides, or at the Summer Kitchen, an area just south of the park district offices. There is a wide range of offerings to suit just about any taste including hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, cotton candy, brats, burgers, pizza, ribs, corn-on-the cob, funnel cakes, popcorn, Italian beef, subs, pulled pork, gyros, Italian ice, sno cones, ice cream... just to name a few!
Q.Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.
A. Gurnee Days is planned and orchestrated by the Gurnee Days Corp., in partnership with the Village of Gurnee and the Gurnee Park District. The corporation is a not-for-profit organization consisting of community volunteers who annually coordinate the more than 50 activities taking place during the four-day festival. Board meetings are conducted on the first Wednesday of each month. Participation on the Gurnee Days Board is open to any interested individual. For more information, can contact the Gurnee Days Corp. at P.O. Box 111, Gurnee, IL 60031 or call (847) 249-9613 or (847) 623-7788. The link to the Gurnee Days Web site is Gurnee.il.us/gurnee_days.
Q.Is there anything else we should know?
A. We're hoping that anyone attending Gurnee Days 2009 will find something of interest for them. If someone has never attended Gurnee Days, we encourage them to visit on one or more days of the four-day festival. And, if someone is interested in learning more about Gurnee Days or becoming a board member, we encourage them to contact us at (847) 623-7788 or (847) 249-9613.