Hooray! It's Gilbert Days!

I have a confession. There is a fiction author out there that writes these cute little books, all centered around these wonderful (fictional) small Americana-type towns. The plots are cheesy, the characters predictable, and yet I keep coming back for more.

I think it's because I am so drawn to small towns, good neighbors, places where people look out for one another. Gilbert Arizona is not really a small town, by any means. At last count, over 200,000 people reside in this suburb of Phoenix. But once a year, we get to be reminded that not too long ago, Gilbert was a small, farming community of friends.

November 8-23 is the annual Gilbert Days celebration, a week-long series of events and activities that pay tribute to Gilbert's western heritage. The parade commemorates the original paving of Gilbert Road.

Don't miss:

Gilbert Days Parade: Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. Floats, equestrian teams, antique cars, and marching bands. Through downtown Gilbert and ends at Gilbert Town Center, site of the After Parade Party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pony Express Kickoff: Friday, November 14, 8 a.m. The opening ceremony is held at the post office east of Gilbert and Elliot Roads.

Jackpot Roping: Wednesday, November 19, 7 pm. Fun for the family, Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Drive.

Gilbert Days Classic 5-D Barrel Race: Thursday, November 20, 7pm. Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

Gilbert Days 5K and 1-mile Fun Run: Friday, November 21, 4:45 pm, Freestone Park, 1045 E. Juniper Rd.

Gilbert Days Carnival: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23, Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

Lil'Dudes Rodeo: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23. Opportunities for children to show off their rodeo skills at Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

Gilbert Days Rodeo: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23. One of the largest pro rodeos in the country takes place at Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr.

19th Annual Gilbert Softball Tournament: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 21-23. Includes men's, women's, and co-recreational teams in various skill levels. Takes place at Big League Dreams and Freestone Parks in Gilbert, and Red Mountain Softball Complex in Mesa. Information: 480-503-6200.

Saturday Night Dance: Saturday, November 22, 8:30 pm at the Gilbert Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Dr. Only for those 21 and over.

Get even more information at www.GilbertDays.com