Huntley's first 'Hootenanny' set for September

Huntley's first Hootenanny Glow 5K & 1-Miler fundraiser is Sept. 8 in the downtown area and Town Square.

Proceeds benefit the Huntley 158 Education Foundation, which funds educational programs, projects and yearly scholarships for Huntley Community School District 158 students going into college or trade schools.

It will be the organizations's third fundraiser this year and capstone event.

"Our goal is to raise between $10,000 and $12,000," said Lorie Woods, the foundation's executive secretary. "The money will be used to fund our teacher grant requests and scholarships."

This year, the foundation gave out $8,000 in scholarships and nearly $40,000 in classroom initiative grants.

"We generally do more for the teacher grants because it affects more kids," she said.

The organization gets all of its revenues through two annual fundraisers - a two-day Santa's Fireside Feast and Breakfast with Santa event during Christmastime and a dueling pianos evening dance.

The Hootenanny's 5K fun run/walk and a 1-mile run begin and end at Town Square. Its theme celebrates Huntley's farming roots and will include a DJ and children's games after the run, Woods said.

Registration and check-in begin at 5 p.m. with the 5K starting at 7 p.m. followed by the walk. Participants are encouraged to dress in "glow" attire and will receive fluorescent T-shirts, glow sticks and necklaces.

Village employees will work with Huntley High School's theater lighting coordinator to make the gazebo and other areas of the Town Square glow with special illuminations.