Gurnee Days ~ ‘Lil Bit Country ‘Lil Bit Rock ’n Roll August 7-10, 2014
July 209, 2014
For more information please contact:
Kay Wilt
Publicity Committee
Gurnee Days Corporation
[email protected]
847-445-1033
For Immediate Release
Join Lake County residents for Gurnee’s annual summer festival, Gurnee Days which will be held Thursday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10, 2014. This year’s theme is ‘Lil Bit Country, ‘Lil Bit Rock ’n Roll and will include events and activities for the entire family.
Traditionally, the celebration begins with a Thursday evening Testimonial Dinner honoring an individual or couple who has made a significant contribution to the Gurnee community. The 2014 honorees are James and Michelle Caldwell who have been heavily involved in volunteering with organizations in the Gurnee area. A summer concert in Viking Park sponsored by the Gurnee Park District and a teen pool party round out Thursday’s events.
Friday features several children’s activities including a bike rodeo and storytime extravaganza. The evening begins with Gurnee Idol for high school age teens. A Friday night beer garden kicks off the weekend, along with live entertainment provided by the band Final Say who play top hits to the classics. A midway featuring amusement rides, food and a variety of games runs Friday through Sunday to entertain both young and old.
Saturday kicks off with a golf tournament at Heather Ridge Golf Course and a 10K and 2mile fun run & walk. A Baby Contest is held in the morning along with Open Houses at the Gurnee Public Works, Police and Fire Departments. Viking Park hosts exhibitors, food, games and stage events. The Gurnee Great Adventure is a scavenger hunt that highlights local landmarks and businesses, and gives teams of four a chance to win prizes. A student Art Show is displayed over the weekend, and the Viking Middle School presents a drama, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”.
A highlight of Saturday, Rib Fest is sponsored by the Gurnee Exchange Club and features mouth-watering rib dinners, a beer garden and a rib-eating contest. Various stage events entertain the crowds including local bands, as well as two great Chicago-area bands in the evening - Rockstar Rodeo, a country tribute band, and Shape Shifters, a rock cover band. Saturday evening concludes with one of Lake County’s signature firework displays. It is a truly amazing fireworks show – don’t miss it!
For the second year, free parking lot shuttle buses run a regular route from parking lots in the area to Viking Park on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday starts off with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police and a Scoop the Loop car show. The always-popular parade steps off at noon and travels along Old Grand Avenue in the Village Center and features over 50 entries including marching bands; country and rock ‘n roll themed floats; Six Flag Goliath, Bugs and Sylvester characters; and much more. After the parade Viking Park is filled with families and friends enjoying the petting zoo, kids talent show, 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 42 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 be not be possible.
Gurnee Days is a fun-filled, family-oriented festival that allows the community to celebrate the great place Gurnee is to live, work and visit. To make a donation, volunteer or for additional information, write to the Gurnee Days Corporation, PO Box 111, Gurnee IL 60031 or call (847) 623-7788 or visit our website at www.GurneeDays.com .
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