Welcome the Gold Star Mission GS 500 to Carlinville

On Wednesday, September 23, Carlinville will have the honor of welcoming riders participating in the 10th Annual Gold Star Mission GS 500 as they make their way through our community.

The GS 500 is a five-day, 500-mile bicycle ride through Illinois honoring fallen military service members and their Gold Star Families. Riders carry the stories and memories of Illinois' fallen heroes with them throughout the journey.

They are expected to arrive in Carlinville at approximately 3:00 PM, and we're asking our business community to help give them a Carlinville welcome worthy of the mission they're riding for.

Businesses Along the Route: Come Outside & Welcome the Riders

As the riders arrive, they will make their way around the Carlinville Square and along North Broad Street.

If your business is located along the route, gather your employees outside, wave, cheer and help us line the streets to welcome them as they pass.

Flags, signs and plenty of people outside showing their support are encouraged!

This is more than welcoming a group of cyclists to town. It's an opportunity to help honor the fallen military heroes they are riding for and show their Gold Star Families that their loved ones are remembered.

We'd love to see Carlinville show up for them.

Stay for the Celebration

The welcome continues with a community celebration at the Bates Building, hosted by The Squirrel Bowl and Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics.

There will be food, music, drinks, raffles and fun for the whole family. Everyone is invited to come out, meet the riders and be part of the afternoon.

Wednesday, September 23
Riders arrive around 3:00 PM
Bates Building | Carlinville