Walking into the festivities, the strong smell of funnel cake fills the air. Live music blares from the main stage. Bright lights glow from Windy City Amusement rides.
The annual Huntley Fall Fest is back for their 18th year running from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29.
Beginning in 2006, Huntley Fall Fest has hosted a variety of vendors and entertainment at the Huntley Park District and Deicke Park.
Near Stingray Bay, there was a carnival provided by Windy City Amusements. Popular rides such as the ferris wheel and “Freak Out” entertained guests. Carnival games like “pop the balloon” offered small, entertaining prizes. Carnival food like funnel cakes and corn dogs immersed guests into the fair experience.
Nearby, a large stage hosted a variety of live entertainment. Acts such as Pino Farina Band and Rockin’ Moxie played music for enthusiastic visitors.
Many local restaurants set up small booths to sell their food. Places such as Huntley Tacos Locos and Sammy’s Bar and Grill were hits, but the most popular booth was Manny’s: a gelato shop that is no longer located in Huntley, yet makes an appearance every year at Huntley Fall Fest.
The festival also provides opportunities to entertain children. A Kona Ice truck alongside face-painters and a petting zoo entertained kids. However, the main attraction was the kids stage, where various acts from around Huntley came to perform.
One of those acts was Royalty Gymnastics, Tumble & Dance, who have been performing there for five years.
“The community is coming together and bringing us closer together to do something meaningful,” Royalty Coach Chucky Dela Cruz said.
Lining the pond was a car show and various tents of small businesses selling their products. The most delicious-smelling booth was Greta’s Carmel, who has been participating in Huntley Fall Fest since 2022.
“With the bands and different activities it’s been a good, fun atmosphere,” vendor Greta Bailey said.
Huntley Fall Fest also provides plenty of volunteer opportunities for high school students. Students can do anything from hand out information pamphlets to assist in scarecrow building.
“It’s an enjoyable experience interacting with the community,” volunteer Joshua Rohrig said. “It brings us all together.”
Every year, Huntley Fall Fest brings exciting new opportunities to the town, and this year did not disappoint. Fall Fest is an exciting experience that ties the community closer together year by year.
