The Huntley Park Foundation hosted the fifth annual Huntley Fall Fest on Sept. 23. Every year the Fall Fest features a book sale, craft fair, tractor show, and several bands. The new additions this year include a carnival, scarecrow contest, and kids’ section with a straw maze.
“I am really impressed that it’s so big this year,” said sophomore Olivia Krewer.
The festival is spread out through the Stingray Say parking lot into Deicke Park. New carnival rides and food vendors near the Cosman Cultural Center like Tacos Locos, Higher Grounds, Famous Dave’s, and Butcher on the Block added some excitement this year. However, the options at Fall Fest are not limited to just hot dogs and roller coasters.
“I think you can be here for hours and not run out of something to do,” said Bryant Haniszewski, Fall Fest Coordinator.
The kids section featured a straw maze, petting zoo, pony rides, kids stage, and pumpkin bowling.
“It’s [pumpkin bowling] a cute fall thing,” said Haniszewski.
Dance Force Studio and Center Stage Dance Academy performed on the kids’ stage on Saturday. The petting zoo featured a llama and some goats.
On Friday, bands that performed on the main stage include Voyage and Modern Day Romeos. On Saturday the musical group consisting of students from Huntley High School, Project Two, performed as well as Dave Sarkis and Josh Skaja, Evolution, 7th Heaven, and Pirates over 40. On Sunday Rythmbone, Denny Diamond, Sun City Tones, and Sun City Prairie Voices performed.
“The music is really great and it’s tons of fun,” said sophomore Aubrie Purtell.
The annual book sale was again hosted by the Friends of the Huntley Area Public Library. The book sale at Fall Fest is the biggest sale of the year for the library. They raise over $1,000 each year, which goes back to help the library purchase more books.
The tractor show features tractors from the Pfaff family, Tures family, and Marsh family. The tractors date back to 1939 and are all restored antiques that still run. The tractor show is included in Fall Fest to remind people of the roots that the village comes from.
Planning for Fall Fest starts in January every year they have to plan to entertain approximately 10,000 attendees every year.
“It’s a great community event,” said Thom Palmer Executive Director of the Huntley Park District.
Post Author: Ashley Secreto. Ashley Secreto is a sophomore at Huntley High School. She is on the Huntley High School Golf Team. She enjoys throwing rocks at people and reading. Her favorite subject is math. She has an older sister and a younger brother. She has lived in Huntley her whole life.
//