Merry Cary parade, festivities Dec. 1

Submitted by Cary Grove Area Chamber

Join the Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival on Sunday, Dec. 1, in downtown Cary.

The annual event, hosted by the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and the village of Cary, features one of McHenry County’s largest holiday parades, followed by a number of free downtown activities for local families.

In its 17th year, the Merry Cary Parade kicks off the local holiday season. The event begins with a parade down West Main Street starting at 1 p.m., involving nearly 1,000 parade participants including local businesses, community groups and organizations and local Boy and Girl Scout troops.

After the parade at 2 p.m., there will be a number of free activities including horse-drawn sleigh rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and performances by local schoolchildren.

Santa will be visiting with local children at Cary Travel Express, located at 9 Jandus Road, until 3:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for photos.

There also will be a special appearance by Christmas Elves from Those Funny Little People.

All events are free to the community and paid for by generous local business sponsors.

For details, visit www.carygrovechamber.com or call the chamber office at (847) 639-2800.