Gurnee Days started 44 years ago with a one-day picnic in the park, said Scott Crowe. “It’s evolved to a four-day extravaganza,” said Crowe, president of the Gurnee Days Foundation and director of recreation at the Gurnee Park District. The event annually features a parade, fireworks, a pancake breakfast, amusement rides, eating contests, music, talent show, a car show and, in the last three years, the Gurnee Great Adventure.
No matter how big it grows — community members, staff and volunteers find new ways to celebrate Gurnee each year, Crowe said.
This year, for example, the four-day event held Aug. 11-14 will sponsor a new family kite-flying and decathlon event in honor of the Summer Olympics.
Held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, participants can sign up that day and participate in Olympic-like events including crawling through tunnels, running through hurdles and others.
In keeping with the celebration’s theme, “Going for the Gold,” Viking Park Hall will be open throughout Gurnee Days featuring large television sets where attendees can watch the Olympics, Crowe said.
Crowe said he’s particularly excited about Keith Semple, a finalist in “The Voice Season 9,” helping judge the Gurnee Teen Idol contest on Friday. Semple and his band will also perform after the contest.
“We have some of the best entertainment you’re going to find in the Chicago area,” Crowe said. Other acts include Modern Day Romeos, which has a big following, he said, and a group called R-Gang, which plays covers and rhythm and blues.
Teams will also go for the gold during the Great Gurnee Adventure on Saturday. Participation continues to grow, Crowe said. “Last year we had 15 teams. This year, we’re expecting a few more. It’s a scavenger hunt. They go from location to location as fast as they can — they’ll go to local parks and local businesses. People enjoy the fact that they get to do it with friends or family and that they’re working toward a goal.
“Last year, the adventure had participants going to FitNation in Gurnee and doing fitness activities. They might go through an obstacle course or solve a puzzle that will tell them where to go next. It changes every year.”
Also on Saturday is RibFest and a rib-eating contest. Sponsored by the Gurnee Exchange Club, it’s the group’s largest fundraising event, Crowe said. “They have the best ribs around. It’s a unique recipe. They only make this special rib rub and this sauce once a year for this event. There’s no restaurant that exists that makes these. This is the one and only time you can get these ribs. I’ve had them. They’re fantastic. They have good flavor, a little bit of spice but not too much — and the meat comes off the bone really easily.”
Saturday ends with fireworks, which the village of Gurnee sponsors. “Many years ago the village decided not to do fireworks over the Fourth of July. Instead they save for this event. It’s a nice long show with a great variety of fireworks,” he said. Crowe suggested sitting by the band shell and watching the fireworks through the trees. It’s less crowded there, he said. Last year the amusement rides remained open during the fireworks, and it will be done again this year.
“A few lucky people will be up on the Ferris wheel when the fireworks are going on,” he said.
The Sunday parade will include 70 entrants with representations from businesses, service organizations, schools, government bodies and some specialty marching units. Woodland Middle school, Viking Middle school and the Warren High School Band will perform.
A car show with at least 100 vehicles and prizes is also slated for Sunday, along with a petting zoo for children.
“There are so many things going on during Gurnee Days, even off-site,” Crowe said. “The public works, fire department and police department will all have open houses. Kids really enjoy checking out the equipment and trying on the helmets.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
Gurnee Days
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When: Aug. 11-14
Where: Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee
Tickets: Free
Information: 847-623-7788; gurneedays.com