Live music, fireworks and family fun at Huntley Fall Fest
The 19th annual Huntley Fall Fest features three days of live entertainment, carnival rides, food, Saturday fireworks, family fall activities, a craft shows and more.
The festival will be 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Deicke Park, 12015 Mill St. Note: Pets are not permitted in the band and food area. Shuttle service will be offered on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. from Union Special parking lot to the festival site.
Music stage
On Friday, Rumor Hazit will be opening the festival stage, performing your favorite rock, pop, dance, and country hits, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. on the FNBO Main Stage.
The Pino Farina Band, the alternative rockers, will be the headliner on the opening night at 9 p.m.
Huntley's own, The Early Byrds, will kick off a full day of live entertainment on Saturday at 1:45 p.m. In The Stix, the modern country cover band, will perform at 3:45 p.m.
Modern Day Romeos will take the stage at 6:15 p.m. with Motown classics, classic rock treasures, metal anthems, favorites from the 1980s-’90s, and the top hits of the 2000s. It will be followed by the fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. The headliner Hairbanger's Ball will follow the fireworks at 9 p.m.
Rockin Moxie will be performing blues, soul and rock & roll as they kick off the final day of the festival at noon Sunday.
Southbound, a country rock cover band featuring some southern rock, Texas blues, classic country, and some oldies, will take the stage at 2:15 p.m. Tennessee Whiskey will be performing a tribute to Chris Stapleton from 5 to 7 p.m.
Kids’ stage
The Huntley Park District Raiderettes dancers will open the kids’ stage at 10 a.m. Saturday. Officers from the McHenry County Sheriff’s office will put on demonstrations from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Algonquin Academy of Dance will be featured from 1:40 to 2:20 p.m. Saturday.
See the John Measner Magic Show on Saturday and Sunday at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. The popular Culvers ice-cream eating contest will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
On Sunday, Royalty Gymnastics will take the stage from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by Dance Force Studios from 1:40 to 2:20 p.m.
There will be free scarecrow building on Saturday and Sunday in the park. They will be supplying the straw and a helping hand. Bring a pair of pants, shirt, and pantyhose (for the head).
Pancake breakfast
Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes offered by the Huntley Area Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the Cosman Cultural Center cafeteria. Admission is $10 or free for kids, age 12 or younger, with paying adult. You also can buy advance tickets from any Huntley Lions member.
The menu includes link sausage, applesauce, bakery goods, coffee, tea, juice and milk, as well as the popular pancake topping bar. Carryouts available.
There will be door prizes, 50/50 raffles and basket raffles. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will fund community projects as well as programs to help the visually and hearing impaired.
Pedal for Paws Car Show
The Pedal for Paws Car Show returns for its 15th year on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It is open to all vehicles 1989 or older and 1990 and newer modern American muscle cars. Registration will be 9 to 11 a.m. for $20 per vehicle; arrive after 8:30 a.m. Parking on grass and asphalt with plenty of shade; car clubs welcome. There will be 40 custom trophies with awards at 2 p.m. There will be entertainment by 3D Sound and food by Boy Scout Troop 153. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes directly to the car of shelter animals with the Animal Services & Assistance Program Inc. It is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization. Since November 2008, they have trap, neutered and returned over 10,000 cats in McHenry and surrounding counties. They have adopted out 1,200 cats and kittens, provided veterinary services for families in need, and rescued more than 100 horses from slaughter.
In addition, stop by the Tractor Show featuring generations of farm machinery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Craft & Home Business Show
The Craft & Home Business Show will feature handmade goods as well as holiday decor items from Halloween to Christmas. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Model train show
Bring the kids and enjoy a full-size miniature train display from Midwest RAILS. The show will be 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the gym.
Carnival rides
Windy City Amusements will be providing a variety of carnival rides, games, and carnival food. Unlimited rides are available for $35 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. It will be $30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Food vendors
Huntley Fall Fest features a variety of local and regional food vendors, including Alfredo's Pizza, Butcher on the Block, Huntley Tacos Locos, Knights of Columbus, Manny's, Marek's Pierogi, Nikos Red Mill Tavern, Plum Garden, Sammy's Bar & Grill, and Texan BBQ. From meats to sweet treats, the vendors are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
The community celebration is put on by the Huntley Fall Fest Committee, business sponsors, civic organizations, and hundreds of volunteers. Learn more at huntleyfallfest.com or facebook.com/huntleyfallfest/.