2018 Gurnee Days family festival to take place Aug. 9-12
It's still chilly outside, but the all-volunteer Gurnee Days Corporation is already hard at work planning the 46th annual festival. Mark your calendars - the 2018 dates are Aug. 9-12. Events will take place at Viking Park and other venues throughout the village.
This year's theme is "Gurnee Days - Celebrate the Decades." The theme will allow businesses and organizations participating in the annual parade to celebrate significant decades in their history - perhaps the year the business or organization was founded, a significant event in the past, or even a decade looked back on fondly.
New officers elected to lead the volunteer organization this year were sworn in by Village Trustee Tom Hood. They are President Scott Crowe, President-Elect Kraig Owens, Secretary Kay Wilt, and Past-President Sue McDougle. Deanne Fisher also has returned to the treasurer position this year.
Many of the most popular Gurnee Days events will return in 2018. Events kick off on Thursday, Aug. 9, 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. 10, will feature a bike rodeo, story time, amusement rides, food booths, the beer garden and live entertainment. 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. 11, 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 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 on Saturday evening in the Viking Park Main Stage. Nashville Electric Company, a country pop and rock band will perform at 5 p.m. Performing at 8 p.m. will be Mike & Joe, a modern rock cover band featuring popular music from the 1990s through today, with a few tunes from the 1970s and 80s. The always spectacular fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m. at Viking Park.
This year, Gurnee Explorer Post 266 will host the annual pancake breakfast fund-raiser from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 12, at the park, while the Gurnee Days Parade will step off at noon on Old Grand Avenue in the heart of the village. A "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.
In between the main events, Viking Park is filled with families and friends enjoying the petting zoo, stage entertainment, ice cream and rib eating contests, a 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 46 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.