Gilbert Days begins in earnest today.

“What’s a Gilbert Days?” you may be asking yourself.

To quote from the Town of Gilbert’s page:

The annual Gilbert Days celebration is a week-long series of events and activities that pay tribute to the Town’s rich western heritage.

Actually it’s ten days long, but who’s counting.

Yep, this place we call home was formerly a part of the wild wild west. To celebrate that heritage, we’ve got a parade (that yours truly will be marching in alongside the mighty Highland High School Marching Band. If you’re there, wave!), several rodeo events (both amateur and professional), fun runs, a carnival, dances, and more.

Here’s a list of Gilbert Days events. For more info, see GilbertDays.com:

Friday, November 14
• Pony Express Opening Ceremony
Held at the Gilbert Post Office on Elliot Rd. 9:00am

Saturday, November 15
• Gilbert Days Parade: 9:00am, runs down Gilbert Rd between Juniper St. and Gilbert Town Square
• Gilbert Days After Parade Party: 11:00am–5:00pm
Held outside Gilbert Town Hall, 1025 S. Gilbert Rd

Wednesday, November 19
• Jackpot Roping, 6:00pm. Close: 6:45pm. Roping: 7:00pm. #12 handicapped pick 2 draw 2, Buckles & money for 1st place, Paying 5 places $160.00 entry fee, 3 steer roping, payout to fast times in first 2 rounds, added money

Thursday, November 20
• Gilbert Days Carnival 3:30-10:00pm
• Gilbert Days Barrel Race
$200 Added Open, $1000 in Buckle Awards to Open (5) Youth (1) Senior (1) PW Ribbons
AW4D points Co-Sanctioned with Gilbert Days Barrel Race   Books & Time Only’s Open 5:00-7:30pm
Show Time: 7:30pm ~Book will remain open during race
Pre Entries due Nov 17, 2008 for the Pre draw on Nov 19th no late fee for entering at show for 2nd draw @ 7:15pm etc
Email: barreldream[AT]aol.com
Download Barrel Racing Entry Form

Friday, November 21
• Gilbert Days Carnival 3:30-10:00pm
• Lil’ Dudes Rodeo, sign-up 4:30pm, begins 5:00pm
• IPRA Rodeo, gates open 5:00pm, begins 7:00pm
• Calf Scramble, held during the IPRA Rodeo Performance. FREE for ages 4-12, must sign-up inside the ticket gate
• Family Classic Rock Dance 9:30pm-12:30am
Free with Friday night rodeo ticket or $5 at the gate
All ages are welcome! The band is ‘2 Knuckles Deep’

Saturday, November 22
• Gilbert Days Carnival 12:00pm-12:00am
• Lil’ Dudes Rodeo, sign-up 11:30am, begins 12:00pm
• IPRA Rodeo, gates open 12:00pm, begins 2:00pm
• Calf Scramble, held during the IPRA Rodeo Performance. FREE for ages 4-12, must sign-up inside the ticket gate
• Gilbert Days Dance 8:00pm-12:30am
Admission: $15.00 • Must be 21 years old to enter

Sunday, November 23
• Gilbert Days Carnival 12:00-10:00pm
• Lil’ Dudes Rodeo, sign-up 11:30am, begins 12:00pm
• IPRA Rodeo, gates open 12:00pm, begins 2:00pm
• Calf Scramble, held during the IPRA Rodeo Performance. FREE for ages 4-12, must sign-up inside the ticket gate