With Miss Huntley 2024 Katie Mitchell blaring the horn, the Running of the Elves 5K run takes off at 10:30 a.m.
This is not the only event of the day, in fact, it is only the beginning of A Very Merry Huntley.
A Very Merry Huntley consists of different activities for community members of every age, such as the 5K run.
While the run took place, the Kris Kringle Market was open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Upstairs, there were booths where large and niche interests could be satisfied: kids’ gadgets, homemade baked goods, jewelry, 3D-printed items, and clothes. There is also a room with various Christmas items downstairs.
Trackless train rides for children, hot cocoa, cookies, and reindeer were all featured from 3 to 6 p.m., including the Heineman Middle School and The Shepherd of the Prairie choirs, who sang Christmas songs from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Eighth grade Heineman Choir singer Anahi Favila loved singing in the square.
“I think it brings the holiday spirit and just makes people really happy,” Favila said.
After the joyful tunes of the choirs, Christmas music continues to play.
A pasta dinner was held in the Legion Hall from 4 to 6:30 p.m. as community members roamed the square, looking at what each activity had to offer.
Children waited in line excitedly for the trackless train ride. Everyone held their hot cocoa as they listened to the melodies of the choirs.
By now, the square was flooded with community members. When it turned dark, it was time for the lighting of the square.
Santa and Mrs. Clause arrived in the square, and after pictures with them, the countdown began.
“3…2…1”
The square, previously lit by the dim lampposts, was now illuminated with the bright white lights that encased the trees.
“My daughter went ‘this is going to be boring,’ and then the lights went on and she was like, ‘this isn’t boring anymore. This is beautiful.’ and she said, ‘this has been the most beautiful Christmas ever, mommy,’” community member Jessica Jensen said.
Then the fireworks started. With the square being a perfect viewing station, the fireworks fly into the air, exploding to create bursts of colors.
“Everything being lit up and stuff is pretty,” sixth grader Livvy Logsdon said.
Overall, the all-day event is packed with activities for everyone to enjoy. From a 5K run to the bright fireworks, the community truly provides a very merry Huntley.
