Gurnee Days stars some old favorites and new attractions

It's almost time for the 47th annual Gurnee Days family festival, which takes place Aug. 8-11 at Viking Park and other venues throughout the village.

The theme, "Gurnee Days - Hooray for Hollywood," encourages businesses and organizations participating in the annual parade to incorporate favorite movies and film stars into their float décor.

Officers leading the all-volunteer organization this year are President Kraig Owens, President-elect Beckie Korzyniewski, Treasurer Deanne Fisher and Secretary Donna Dallas.

Several popular Gurnee Days events are returning in 2019 - most notably fireworks Aug. 10 and the parade Aug. 11 - along with a few new activities.

Events kick off Thursday, Aug. 8, with a bike rodeo, teen pool party and the annual Gurnee Days Honoree dinner. The traditional dinner will honor Cheryl and David Ross, who have lived in and contributed to Gurnee since they married in 1975. The dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Wedgewood Weddings North Shore at Midlane Country Club in Wadsworth.

Cheryl and David also will serve as parade grand marshals on Sunday.

Friday, Aug. 9, features a bike rodeo, story time, amusement rides, and food booths. This year, the beer garden opens earlier at 6:30 p.m. so beverages can be enjoyed along with dinner sold by food vendors.

Friday's live entertainment kicks off with Ax and The Hatchetmen, a popular group of local teens who play the blues, jazz, alternative rock and classic rock. They will perform from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Viking Park Main Stage.

The Boy Band Night is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Viking Park Main Stage. The Boy Band Night pays tribute to popular boy bands, performing covers of songs by *NSync, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, One Direction and more.

Saturday, Aug. 10, dawns bright and early with a golf tournament at the HeatherRidge Golf Course, as well as a 5K and 10K race organized by the Rotary Club of Gurnee.

The Exchange Club will again serve rib dinners at Ribfest in Viking Park from noon to 11 p.m. There will be open houses at the public works, police and fire departments, tours of the historic Mother Rudd House and more.

Live music will return Saturday in the Viking Park Main Stage. Glenn Johnson & the Voices of InnerPeace, a Lake County gospel band, will perform at 3:15 p.m. The 5 p.m. show is King By Friday, a Chicago band that performs original indie rock with a hint of punk, funk, Latin and blues.

Next up at 8 p.m. is Hi-Infidelity, billed as the Chicago area's favorite classic rock band.

The fireworks show will begin around 9:15 p.m. Saturday at Viking Park.

Gurnee Explorer Post 266 will host the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 11, at the park, while the Gurnee Days Parade will step off at noon on Old Grand Avenue. The third annual "Battle of the Badges" softball game between the Gurnee Fire Department and Gurnee Police Department is set for 2 p.m. at the Viking Park softball field.

And, at 2:30 p.m. in the main stage, Jim Gill will perform his active sing- and clap-along show that gets children of all ages moving to the music.

Throughout the weekend, Viking Park is filled with families and friends enjoying the petting zoo, face-painting, stage entertainment, ice cream and rib eating contests, a police dog demonstration, 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 47 years. Gurnee Days is funded by cash or in-kind contributions from area businesses, individuals and civic organizations.

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.

What's new?

• A performance by Popeye and Sailor the Amazing Dog at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Alex "Popeye" Rothacker performs with his dog, Sailor, who jumps rope, walks a tightrope and balances a ball. Alex and Sailor have performed throughout the U.S. and Canada for more than 20 years, appearing three times on "Late Show with David Letterman."

• Taking the stage at the Viking Park Main Stage at noon Saturday, Aug. 10, is a family magic show featuring Chicago entertainer Dave Fleming. He has been entertaining celebrities, sports stars, adults and children for years. His mix of fun, magic, comedy, impersonations and more make him a wonderful attraction for all ages. The magic show is presented by Community Trust Credit Union.

• At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, Jim Gill will perform a concert for families called "Jim Gill's Nationwide Campaign for Play!" on the Viking Park Main Stage. He is known for active sing- and clap-along shows that get children of all ages moving to the music.

• For families with young children, don't miss the Viking Middle School's production of the "Wizard of Oz." It is geared specifically for the little ones and is performed both Saturday and Sunday.