The Sky's The Limit For Summer Entertainment In McHenry County
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| July is full of wonderful festivals and events in McHenry County, including Fiesta Days July 9 to 18 at Petersen and Veterans Memorial Parks in McHenry. (Photo provided) |
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate the season. July is the time of year when cities throughout McHenry County play host to an incredible array of festivals and events.
Heritage Fair
“Magical Summer!” is the theme for this year’s Heritage Fair at the McHenry County Historical Museum in Union. Heritage Fair is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 11. Popular barbershop quartet The Clef Hangers will perform between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Information: www.mchsonline.org or 815-923-2267
Tractor Trek
McHenry County Farm Bureau and McHenry County Antique Farm Equipment Association are co-sponsoring the 8th annual “Tractor Trek” beginning at 8 a.m. July 17. Participants travel from Von Bergen’s Country Market in Hebron to Lake Geneva, Wis., to raise money for the Agriculture in the Classroom program, which promotes agricultural awareness in McHenry County.
Information: www.mchenrycfb.org or 815-338-1520
Battle at the Beach
Battle other teams in a variety of silly and fun games at Battle of the Beach starting at 11 a.m. July 24 at Indian Trail Beach in Lake in the Hills. Games include a sack race, water balloon toss, marshmallow relay race, tug-o-war and more. Prizes will be awarded, and preregistration is required. Participants must register as a team consisting of six people and must be 6 years old or older. Admission is free.
Information: www.lith.org or 847- 960-7460
National Night Out
Downtown Block Party in Crystal Lake. This National Night Out celebration will be from 5 to 9 p.m. July 31. The event takes place on Williams Street (between Crystal Lake Avenue and Brink Street). The Crystal Lake Police Department and Downtown Crystal Lake / Main Street are co-hosting the celebration. National Night Out is a nationwide event providing an opportunity for the community and local law enforcement to team up and promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in the fight for a safer nation. Admission is free.
Information: www.downtowncl.org or 815-479-0835
25th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
Woodstock Folk Festival will take place from noon to 6:30 p.m. July 18 on the Woodstock Square in Woodstock. Admission to the all-day Sunday Festival is a suggested donation of $15 for adults, $25 for families and $10 for students and seniors. In celebration of the 25th year, the Woodstock Opera House will present Chicago folk legend Bonnie Koloc in concert Saturday, July 17 (festival eve). Tickets are available from the Opera House Box Office at 815-338-5300. On Sunday afternoon, July 18, the festival’s Ninth Annual Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Koloc. Main Stage (Woodstock Square Bandstand) performers include The Flyin’ A’s, Greg Greenway, Henhouse Prowlers, Meg Hutchinson, Joel Mabus, and Sons of the Never Wrong.
Information: Call 815-479-9WFF, e-mail woodstockfolkfest@sbcglobal.net, or go to www.woodstockfolkfestival.org
Algonquin Founders’ Days
“All That Glitters is Gold — A 50-Year Celebration” is the theme for this year’s
Algonquin Founders’ Days, which takes place from July 22 to 25. Starting times are 6 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 4 to 12. The event features a carnival, a cardboard boat regatta, a bike-decorating contest, live music and more. The Algonquin Founders’ Days parade starts at 11 a.m. July 24, and fireworks take place at 9 p.m. July 25 at Riverfront Park.
Information: www.algonquinfoundersdays.com or 847-658-5340
Rockin’ Ribfest
Lake in the Hills Rotary Club’s Rockin’ Ribfest will take place July 8 to 11 at Lakeside Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills. Hours are 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The family-oriented event will feature nationally-renowned professional ribbers and family entertainment such as live music and a kids zone. Rockin’ Ribfest is the main fundraising event for Lake in the Hills Rotary Club. Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 years old and younger are free.
Information: www.rockinrotaryribfest.com
Fiesta Days
The 62nd annual Fiesta Days will take place July 9 to 18 at Petersen and Veterans Memorial Parks in McHenry. The music fest will be from July 9 to 11, and musical acts include Soul Asylum and Modern Day Romeos. Fiesta Days features amusement rides most days, a Big Wheels Race on July 12, a Children’s Ice Cream Social on July 16, and the 28th annual Arts & Crafts in the Park and Shakespeare in the Park on July 17. Go to www.mchenrychamber.com for concert times and prices, as well as a full schedule of events.
Information: www.mchenrychamber.com or 815- 385-4300
• Compiled by Betsy Demitropoulos
