February 07, 2025
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Community to select Gurnee Days parade theme

Resident invited to submit ideas until March 15; winner to be selected via poll

By Lake County Journal staff report

In this file photo, Rossy Ruiz, of Round Lake Park, with the Gurnee Barber Shop entertains the crowd during the Gurnee Days Parade on Old Grand Avenue. (Candace H)

GURNEE – At noon Aug. 7, the Gurnee community will come together for the annual Gurnee Days parade.

The parade route will begin at North Greenleaf Street, continue west on Old Grand Avenue and end at Emerald Avenue.

In collaboration with the village of Gurnee, the Gurnee Park District is looking to the community to select this year’s parade theme.

Gurnee residents are asked to submit their themes to gurneedays.com/parade. Submissions will be accepted until 3 p.m. March 15.

On March 21, five finalists will be announced on Gurneedays.com and on the Gurnee Days Facebook page.

The theme then will be determined by Gurnee residents via an electronic poll. Voting for the Gurnee Days parade theme will be open from March 21 until 3 p.m. April 14.

“Gurnee Days is all about celebrating Gurnee together. This year’s parade contest is a great way to get involved,” said Susie Kuruvilla, executive director of the Gurnee Park District.

Each year, the parade features floats and local marching bands embracing a common theme. Gurnee Days parade judges select winners from the following categories: best overall, best use of theme and best children’s unit.

Gurnee Days will be a two-day festival Aug. 6 and 7.