Gilbert Days 2008 began Saturday, November 8th, and will continue through Sunday, November 23, 2008. The celebration kicked off with the re-enactment of the historical Pony Express ride on November 8th, and ended today at the Gilbert Post office on Elliot Road.
Saturday, November 15th:
The Gilbert Days Parade takes place at 9:00am, and is a dazzling spectacle for the whole family. It runs down Gilbert Road between Juniper Street and Gilbert Town Square. It will be followed by an "After Parade Party" from 11:00am to 5:00pm outside Gilbert's Town Hall at 1025 S. Gilbert Road. There will be entertainment, vendors, arts & crafts, a Chili Cook-Off, and lots of FUN!
Wednesday, November 19th:
The start of the showcase events for the cowboys and cowgirls that come from all over the country to participate in the Gilbert Days Budweiser IPRA Rodeo, starting with Jackpot Roping at 7:00pm.
Thursday, November 20th:
Right next to the Gilbert Rodeo Park arena is the Gilbert Days Carnival, complete with rides, games, prizes, and mouth-watering concessions. The Gilbert Days Carnival is open from 3:30pm to 10:00pm. Gilbert Days IPRA Rodeo will continue with Barrel Racing starting at 7:30pm.
Friday, November 21st:
Gilbert Days Carnival continues from 3:30-10:00pm. The little ones get to compete in the Lil' Dudes Rodeo beginning at 5:00pm, held before the adult rodeo competition. The Gilbert Days IPRA Budweiser Rodeo, begins at 7:00pm. There is a Calf Scramble, held during the IPRA Rodeo Performance. It's FREE for ages 4-12, but they must sign-up inside the ticket gate. In the evening, you can rock out with the Family Classic Rock Dance from 9:30pm to 12:30am. Admission is FREE with Friday night rodeo ticket or $5 at the gate. The band rocking out will be ‘2 Knuckles Deep'.
There is also the Gilbert Days 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run that will be celebrating its 25th year in 2009. The 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run take place Friday, November 21, 2008 within the boundaries of Freestone Park utilizing sidewalks, equestrian trails and the main entrance to the park. At 4:45pm the 1 Mile Fun Run begins, and at 4:55pm the 5K run begins. Approximately 1,200 runners participate each year with a crowd of 1,500 spectators cheering them on. At the finish line runners are provided with drinks, a sampling of food products and an opportunity to visit sponsor booths. The event ends with prize giveaways and an awards ceremony.
Saturday, November 22nd:
The Gilbert Days Carnival continues from 12:00pm to 12:00am. The Lil' Dudes Rodeo begins at 12:00pm, with the IPRA Gilbert Days Rodeo beginning at 2:00pm. Another Calf Scramble will be held during the IPRA Rodeo Performance, and is FREE for ages 4-12. They must sign-up inside the ticket gate. There will be a Gilbert Days Dance in the evening from 8:00pm-12:30am. Admission is$15.00, and you must be 21 years old to enter.
In conjunction with the festivities, Gilbert will also be hosting it's 19th Annual Gilbert Days Adult Softball Tournament. The tournament will be held Saturday November 22nd and Sunday November 23rd at Big League Dreams, Freestone Park, and Red Mountain Softball Complex.
Sunday, November 23rd:
Gilbert Days Carnival continues from 12:00pm to 10:00pm. The Lil' Dudes Rodeo begins at 12:00pm, followed by the IPRA Gilbert Days Rodeo beginning at 2:00pm. Another Calf Scramble will be held during the IPRA Rodeo Performance and is FREE for ages 4-12. Participants must sign-up inside the ticket gate.
Gilbert Days has been a celebration of the Town of Gilbert's Western heritage since the late 1950's!
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