Huntley Fall Fest hopes to attract families
Huntley's 2009 Fall Fest returns this weekend, and Gary Minor has his eye on the skies.
"Last year, we were really rained out," the festival committee chairman says. "This year, we have a lot of exciting things planned and we hope the weather cooperates."
The annual Huntley Fall Fest runs today and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at Deicke Park on Route 47 and the Huntley Park District Rec Center on Mill Street in downtown Huntley. The festival opens at 4 p.m. today and 10 a.m. Saturday, and closes at 11 p.m. each night.
Today's program features music and dancing with three live bands, food and beer tents, and lots of family-friendly activities, Minor says.
Saturday starts with the Huntley Park District's Fun Run and Walk, and a hot pancake breakfast served by the Sun City Lions. Crafts, games, and special attractions fill the day on Saturday, with more music and fireworks to top off the evening.
Several new attractions are planned this year, Minor said. The U.S. Army's "Guitar Hero" Humvee has an interactive screen where players can show off their "rock star" talents. Visitors can scale an inflatable climbing wall, where the $2 fee benefits Kids Fight Cancer, a Chicago-based charity that supports Children's Memorial Hospital.
"At the car show, we'll have Dale Earnhardt's car and an M&M NASCAR simulator, with a computer built into it. For $5, you can take a 5-minute ride," Minor says. "There's a small fee for some of these, but It all goes to charity."
Returning attractions
Favorite attractions will be back, too. The Antique Tractor Show returns to Deicke Park along with the Classic Car Show, and the Friends of the Huntley Library will set up its Fall Fest Book Sale in the Rec Center gym. The popular Art and Craft Show will be bigger this year, Minor says. Nearly 50 crafters are expected, and each will donate an item to be raffled for charity on Saturday afternoon. Craft booths will be set up in Deicke Park, unless rain forces them inside the gym.
Live entertainment is scheduled all day on the festival's Main Stage and the Kids' Stage. Karate, dance, and acrobatic acts are planned, along with the popular Prairie Voices, the Suntones, and the Sun City Concert Band.
When the sun goes down, the fun goes on, Minor says. Food and beer tents will be open on Friday and Saturday nights, with live band music and plenty of family fun for all ages. "Kids are welcome, and it's going to be very family-friendly, with something for all," he says.
Fireworks will start at 8:30 p.m. Saturday behind the Rec Center on Mill Street. Visitors may park in the Rec Center lot or at nearby Stingray Bay in Betsey Warrington Park.
Just for kids
Rained out last year, the festival's "Kids Parade" for ages 3-12 will meet at 9 a.m. near the Rec Center, where Ryan the Jester will blow up balloons and get the children ready. At 9:45 a.m., joined by the Huntley High School band, the parade will march through the park to start the day's activities.
Also new this year is the Huntley Jaycees' scarecrow building. Children should bring an old pair of pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and pantyhose for the scarecrow's head. Jaycee volunteers will help stuff and decorate them.
"We supply the know-how, the twine and, thanks to a local donor, all of the straw," Minor said. "Kids can make their own scarecrow and take it home."
Rolling Thunder R.C. racing is offered on Saturday in the children's area. Youngsters can also enjoy craft activities, visit the petting zoo, take a pony ride, and meet "Fester" the Fall Fest mascot.
"We're pretty low-tech, " Minor says, "We don't have a big carnival. But there are lots of games and inflatables to keep them entertained."
Volunteers make it work
It is volunteers that make Huntley's Fall Fest a success, Minor says. The annual event is not sponsored by any agency or community group, and its all-volunteer board of local residents works year-round to make it a success.
"No one benefits financially from this, all the profits go to charities," he explains. "This year, a majority will go to the Huntley Jaycees and the Huntley Park District Foundation."
Each year's festival costs around $25,000 to produce. Gate revenues help offset the costs, and local sponsors also help. Donations are always welcome and are tax deductible.
"If we have any left over, we use it for something that's needed," Minor says.
This year, the group purchased an inflatable movie screen for the park, and last year they bought a portable stage for outdoor events. A future goal, Minor says, is to build a permanent bandshell in the park.
Bringing families together is what the Fall Fest does best, Minor says.
"We want them to enjoy themselves and learn more about Huntley. With every admission, we'll hand out a magazine I created about the town, with help from (local historian) Nancy Bacheller."
"We're in the business to sell sunshine. So if it's a nice sunny day, everyone is going to have a wonderful time."
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>What:</b> Huntley's fourth annual Fall Fest</p> <p class="factboxtext12col"><b>When:</b> 4 to 11 p.m. today, Sept. 25; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26</p> <p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Where:</b> Huntley Park District Rec Center and Deicke Park</p> <p class="factboxtext12col"><b>How much? </b>Admission is $5 for adults and free for ages 12 and younger; however, until 3 p.m. Saturday admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children</p> <p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://huntleyfallfest.co" target="new">huntleyfallfest.co</a>m</p>