Forward Township Community Days this weekend

By Jose Negron
jnegron@yourmvi.com
Forward Township will host its annual Community Days event Saturday and Sunday at Gallatin-Sunnyside Park.
The event, which will take place 1 to 10 p.m. each day, attracts thousands to the township each year.
There is no charge for admission.
Live music will be played from 3:30 to 10 p.m. each day while at least eight food vendors and a beer vendor will be available.
Several free activities will be available for kids including a petting zoo, hay ride, train rides and games.
Township Supervisor Dave Magiske said the event committee, which consists of various volunteers, always attempts to ensure that all activities for kids are free. A car cruise will also be included in the event and will take place Sunday starting at 11 a.m.
Live entertainment will be provided during the two-day event.
Frankie Capri will perform from 1 to 2 p.m. both days followed by The G Boyz, the weekend’s emcee, taking the stage from 3 to 5 p.m. Hawg Wyld will play from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday while The Stonehorse Band closes out the night with a set from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Mimi Lee and Andrew will follow Capri and The G Boyz Sunday with a set from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The final act of the weekend will be The Loose Change Band, which will perform from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
The two-day event will culminate with a firework display that is among the most popular aspects of the summer time event.
“The fireworks display is perhaps the best display in the entire area,” Magiske said of the 30-minute display.
According to Magiske, most firework displays are viewed from at least 1,500 feet away from the launch point.
He said that at the community days event, spectators watched the show from 150 feet away due to the geography found at the park.
Despite their close proximity to the launch point, spectators are safe while also getting to enjoy the show from a different point of view.
“Many of the viewers are so close to the launch point they are looking almost straight up at the display,” Magiske said. “It is spectacular to see fireworks from that kind of vantage point.  You have to see it to believe how impressive it is.”
There is no charge for parking during the event and handicapped parking is available.
Golf carts will also be utilized to transport handicapped and elderly attendees throughout the park.
Seating for performances will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are typically taken very quickly, so attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs if arriving later.