Gurnee Days

What a nice festival! I’m so accustomed to ultra-​crappy local festivals — you know, where there’s a giant open field or blocked-​off street with a stage, generic carnival rides and non-​local food vendors, and no place to sit down or escape the sun. Gurnee Days is not that kind of festival.
This thing is HUGE, and it’s free — no admission or parking fees. I went on Sunday for the Scoop the Loop car show (a great variety of 122 cars — nice job guys!) and was shocked at the number of vendors set up in small tents — easily 100 or more in the lovely tree-​shaded area off Old Grand Avenue. We just missed the parade, but there was music at the band shell. I didn’t check out the carnival rides or food vendors, but there seemed to be plenty of both. We saw a petting zoo and a bags tournament and tons of activities for kids. I will definitely consider coming on Saturday next year for the rib fest and fireworks.
It’s a great atmosphere that manages to be both small town and large scale. The activities are spread out over a spacious enough area that people aren’t packed in and sweating on each other. And there are places to sit down! According to their website, the annual festival is held the second full weekend in August. Check it out next year!