Annual Merry Cary fest, parade brings holiday cheer
The annual Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival will be from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, along West Main Street in downtown Cary. All events and rides are free.
The annual parade will step off at 1 p.m. down West Main Street. Parade lineup begins at noon West Main Street, from High Road to Jandus Road/Route 14, will be closed to vehicular traffic. Spring Street, from West Main to Cary streets, also will be closed for the duration of the festival. Parking in the Metra commuter lots will be free during this time.
The grand marshal is Miracles for McKai, a benefit for the Malooley family. The 1-year-old Cary boy was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the body's muscle and soft tissue. He has been undergoing treatment at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
The parade contest will feature a group of judges who will award top honors to entries in: loudest, funniest, most original, best costumes, and best overall entry. The winners in each category will be announced at the end of the parade and posted on the Cary-Grove Chamber website.
The festival features holiday music, including Carolers of Cary from 2 to 3 p.m. on Main Street and Cary Junior High bands and the McHenry County Youth Orchestra from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the BMO Harris Bank lobby.
In addition to pony rides, there will be horse-drawn sleigh rides from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with pickup on West Main by The Tracks Bar & Grill.
The petting zoo will be noon to 3:30 p.m. on Jandus Road by Cary Travel Express.
After you stop by for visits with Santa, enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at lindambarrett Productions Studio, 25 Spring St.
The event is sponsored by the Village of Cary, Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, and Algonquin Township. Visit www.carygrovechamber.com.