Carnival, pony rides and more in Huntley

Between the do-it-yourself-scarecrows, a petting zoo and pony rides, Nicole Jones knew her 5-year-old daughter Alessia was in for a fun Saturday at the Huntley Fall Fest.

“She loves it, and I just love it too,” Jones said, while Alessia proudly showcased her scarecrow, clad in a purple shirt just like her. “We just moved here at the end of May, so we’re getting to know everybody and the city.”

The three-day event, which ends Sunday, includes a library book sale, a craft and home business show, food vendors, a beer and wine tent, and musical entertainment all day long.

The vast array of crafts on sale, mostly made by local businesses, included jewelry, stuffed animals, birdhouses, and even dog scarves and Halloween-themed tombstones.

Last year, the annual festival attracted about 10,000 people, said Dave Rysavy, a member of the Fall Fest Committee, part of the Huntley Park Foundation. Despite Saturday’s spotty weather, organizers hoped to at least match last year’s attendance with the addition of a carnival this year, Rysavy said.

Theresa Haufe of Lake in the Hills and Kathy Murphy of Huntley took their children — two each — to the festival.

“It’s a fun time, especially when most of it is free,” Murphy said while snapping photos of the kids riding ponies. “It’s not too hot, it’s not raining, so we’re good to go.”

Some were there for a good cause, like Laura Strebler, head coach of the Huntley Park District’s swim team. Strebler good-naturedly waited for people to take a shot at dunking her in the water.

“I thought I’d wear my (Green Bay) Packers jersey to get more people to dunk me,” she said smiling.

The Huntley Fall Festival continues 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, Huntley. Entrance is $2 for adults, $1 for children.