On Dec. 2, the Huntley community gathers together to celebrate the holidays in the town square. The Very Merry Huntley event had many festive activities, such as caroling, free games with prizes, and two live reindeer for viewing. This event is to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, along with bringing people together as a community.
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the square was filled with local businesses selling their products and offering complimentary food items. Bob Gajewski, financial advisor for “Edward Jones,” had his booth set up with fellow colleagues to give away free hot chocolate. He was grateful to be able to give away these drinks and participate for the fourth year in a row.
“We make eight containers of hot chocolate and serve it until it’s gone,” Gajewski said. “It’s a lot of fun, getting to meet with a lot of people in the community and have a good time.”
However, free hot chocolate and cookies wasn’t the only thing attracting people to the heart of the square. Both Heineman and Marlowe Middle School choirs arrived to bring their music to the town to spread holiday cheer in the community.
“I’m excited I get to sing Christmas songs,” Juliet Glover, a member of the Marlowe Middle School choir said.
Together, the middle school choirs sang family favorite songs with other volunteers, their harmonies reaching to everyone in the square.
“There’s something really amazing about music bringing people together,” Olivia Barnack, the choir teacher of Marlowe Middle School said.
The square made sure to include activities for all ages, having a small train going around the square for everybody, beer for adults, and free games with prizes for kids. The square is filled with engaging events that bring not only families together, but the community as well.
