Farmers market attracts with tractors, dancers as well as produce

Most of the dairy farms are gone now, and bulldozers have replaced the milk cows in their fields.

But Huntley's farm-town heritage can still be found at the downtown farmers market, a fledging experiment that started this year and, in a few short months, has really taken flight.

Coordinated by Barb Read in the village manager's office, the little weekly bazaar on Coral Street began last June with four vendors selling fresh produce, flowers and baked goods.

Throughout the summer, that number has doubled, and hundreds of visitors have come downtown to taste the vendors' home-baked breads, cookies and candy, stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, find the perfect flowers for their prairie gardens, or stock up on homemade dog treats.

On most Saturdays, Read says, it is the entertainment as well the produce that really draws a crowd.

Almost every week, the Huntley Farmers Market has hosted singing groups, dance troupes, or local bands who volunteer their time to perform on the town square.

The Friends of the Huntley library hold a weekly book sale in the old village hall, and a craft booth at the church across the street has also become a popular part of the festivities.

This Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., a local collection of antique tractors and farm equipment will be displayed at the market on Coral Street and around the square.

Students from the Algonquin Dance Academy also will perform at 10 a.m. near the gazebo.

Even as the season draws to a close, new vendors keep signing up, Read said, and two more were recently added. "The Jam Lady," from Crystal Lake, author of "The Jam Lady Cookbook," will sell gourmet preserves, butter relishes, flavored honey and fudge. The Gardens of Woodstock will offer seasonal mums, gourds and pumpkins.

The market continues each Saturday in October, finishing off with a craft fair and a program, "Haunted Historic Huntley" on Oct. 27.

Church rummage sale: At Huntley's First Congregational Church, members of the Women's Circle are getting ready for their annual Fall Rummage Sale Oct. 11-13. No matter what you need -- or don't really need -- you'll find it at this mammoth sale that seems to get bigger every year.

Thousands of items -- clothes, toys, furniture, dishes, lamps, linens, and more -- will be on display in "departments" throughout the church.

Donations may be dropped off at the Fellowship Hall from Oct. 7 through Oct. 9. The sale runs from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12, and 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 13, when remaining items will be discounted to $3 per bag. The church is across from the town square on the corner of Main and Church streets. Call (847) 669-3691 for details.

Library hour change: If you have a book to return to the Huntley Area Public Library, don't wait until Monday morning. The library will be closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday while contractors install new ceiling fans and work on landscaping improvements.

Library staff won't get the day off, though. They'll be in training and staff meetings throughout the day, and will stay busy catching up on their workload, spokesman Doug Cataldo says.

The library will re-open from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, and will return to regular hours on Tuesday.

During the closure period, patrons may return library materials at the outdoor drop box.

Homecoming search: Organizers of Huntley High School's 2007 homecoming parade are looking for community groups and businesses to participate. This year's parade will be Oct. 11 in downtown Huntley.

Units will line up at 6 p.m. at the Huntley Village Hall, and the parade will step off at 6:30, marching west on Main Street to the town square. Local businesses and community organizations are invited to show their hometown school spirit by marching as a group, or entering a float or vehicle in the parade.

Participants will be allowed to toss candy or hand out coupons to spectators, if they wish.

For details, contact Tom George at tgeorge@district158.org or leave a message at (847) 659-6506.

Make sweet plans: Sweetest Day is Oct. 20, and the Huntley Lions Club has just the thing to make your sweetie smile. This week, the group is kicking off its seventh annual Rose Day sale, with rose bouquets available for delivery on Oct. 19-20. The cost is $12 per dozen, delivery included, and all proceeds will be used for local Lions Club projects.

Place your order by Oct. 6 by calling Joe Render at (847) 659-1984 or Jim Graves at (847) 515-3036. You may also mail a check to the Sun City Lions Club, P.O. Box 901, Huntley., IL 60142.

Be sure to include the date and time that you would like delivery, and a phone number where you can be contacted.

Daddy-daughter dance: The Huntley Park District is planning its first Sweetest Day Daddy-Daughter Dance on Oct. 20 at the Rec Center on Mill Street. The event is open to girls ages 2 and up and their favorite escort -- dad, grandpa, big brother, or best buddy. There will be DJ music, light refreshments, and a photographer on hand to capture the moment on film. Attire may be formal or casual, whichever you prefer. Tickets are $15 for one child, $5 for each additional child. Those who register by Oct. 5 will be entered in a drawing for a free round-trip ride provided by Z Limousine.

For details or to sign up, call Stacy at (847) 669-3180 or visit www.huntleyparks.org.

Trades seminar Saturday: McHenry County College will host a trades career seminar, "Are You Considering a Career in the Trades?" from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the IBEW Local 117 headquarters at 765 Munshaw Lane in Crystal Lake. If you're a born handyman who would like to make a living by building or repair things, or if you just want to learn how to fix things around the house, you can meet trade industry professionals at this free information session.

To register call today at (815) 455-8588 and refer to class ID NPT S01 001. For more information, phone Connee Meschini at (815) 479-7590.

Global warming exhibit: Global warming and its effect on our planet's ecosystem are the topics of a new public exhibit that opened this week at the McHenry County Conservation District Research Field Station in Glacial Park, 6512 Harts Road in Ringwood.

"The CO2 Solution: Getting a Handle on Global Warming" is the last in a three-part series on environmental change hosted this year by the facility.

"This exhibit will focus on practical things that the average citizen can do to slow global warming on both an individual and a global level," said Tom Simpson, an MCCD ecologist who works at the Research Field Station.

Visitors may also learn about the history and the process of global warming. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, call (815) 678-7644.