I was welcomed to Gladfest with roller coaster rides, funnel cakes, carnival games and so much more.

I had heard that it was always a weekend full of fun, and I was not let down. Saturday morning, I got the opportunity to march in the parade with the Oak Park Marching Northmen, and the experience was one for the books.

Kids everywhere were bouncing up and down with excitement as they heard the cheerful music that came out of our instruments, reaching their arms out as if they were trying to grab the music right out of the air. The weather was perfect and the mood was right. It was fantastic!

When the parade was over, my friends and I went and explored the rest Gladfest had to offer. We walked through big tents full of cute knick knacks and crafty handmade items people were selling. I bought a pretty rad scarf that I cannot wait to wear.

It was so awesome to see all the things the community had to offer under these big tents. But I didn’t stop there, after I got my funnel cake (which was delicious), I played a few carnival games, including ring toss. Unfortunately, my ring toss skills that day were not on point, and I walked away empty handed, but it was still fun to play will all my friends!

Shortly after all the fun, I made my way home, but of course I made plans to come back that night!

As night rolled around, my friends picked me up, and we were off again to experience the night life of Gladfest. Believe me when I tell you, it didn’t disappoint.

The lights on the ride lit up the night! The laughing of the kids and smiles on everyone’s faces were contagious to anyone that entered the grounds. I couldn’t help but have fun.

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Allee Armitage

Even though I get older every year, I think I still have as much as the little kids running around with their parents.