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McHenry County Calendar of Events Sept. 8 – 14
Thursday, September 8
5 – 8 p.m. FREE
Stucky’s Cruise Night
4000 N. Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Phone: 815-331-8050 Website: www.stuckysbarandgrille.com
Thursdays are Cruise Nights in Johnsburg! Music provided by Jim Sieg.
Thursday, September 8
7 – 8:30 p.m. FREE
Fall Wildflower Walk
Glacial Park Conservation Area
6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org
The colors of wildflowers last all the way into the fall if you know where to look. Explore an oak hickory savanna and prairie restoration to see the colorful array of early autumn. Some of this 2-mile hike is off trail so wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
Thursday, September 8
7 – 9 p.m. FREE
Get Lit(erary)
LePetit Marche, 19 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-356-9010 Website: www.wsrep.org
GET LIT(erary) is a monthly reading series based around selected themed classic and contemporary literary works. Each month a group of readers are chosen from a pool of Williams Street Repertory actors and supporters to read from work by a wide array of distinguished authors. Past authors have included Orson Wells, Oscar Wilde, Philip K. Dick, Rudyard Kipling and many, many more.
Thursday, September 8
7 – 9 p.m. FREE
A Man in Recovery
Park Place Banquets, 406 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-477-5871 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org
Tim Ryan, a successful entrepreneur, former nationally ranked water skier and father of four lost everything to drug abuse and alcoholism. Tim’s recovery allows people to open up and talk about their struggles with addiction.
Thursday, September 8
7:30 p.m. FREE
McHenry City Concert Series
The Day Rollers
Veteran’s Memorial Park, one block north of Route 120 in McHenry, IL
Phone: 815-363-2160 Website: www.mchenry.il.us
Tonight the vendor will be Chain’O Lakes Brewing Company. Some seating is available but you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Friday, September 9
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. FREE
9-11 American Flag Memorial & Display
Del Webb Sun City, near the fountain on Del Webb Blvd., Huntley, IL
Phone: 847-669-9021 Website: www.visitmchenrycounty.com
In remembrance of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, there will be a public American Flag Display at the fountain on Del Webb Blvd.
Friday, September 9
12 – 1:30 p.m. $10/resident & $15/non-resident
Bring Your Lunch & Learn, Ages 18 & up
Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 779-994-4270 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org
Friday, September 9
12 – 5 p.m./12 p.m. registration & 1 p.m. Shotgun start
Cost: $150/player & $550/foursome & $25/dinner only
Golf Fundraiser – Habitat for Humanity
10th Annual Holes for Homes, Turnberry Country Club, 9600 Turnberry Trail, Lakewood, IL 60014
Phone: 815-759-9002 Website: www.habitatmchenry.org
Help raise money for building homes Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County! Lunch and dinner are provided with golfing.
Friday, September 9
5 – 11 p.m. Cost: $5/4 – 6 p.m. & $8/6 – 11 p.m. & Kids 12 & under FREE
3rd Annual Rauetoberfest
Beyond Stable Farms, 11129 IL Route 176, Woodstock, IL
Phone: 815-356-9010 ext: 22 Website: www.rauecenter.org
RauetoberFest is Raue center’s annual Oktoberfest. Scheduled to coincide with Munich’s own Oktoberfest in late September, RauetoberFest is a day long celebration of traditional German music, traditional German fair, and traditional German beers, meant to evoke the spirit of community.
Friday, September 9
6 – 9 p.m. FREE
2nd Fridays on the Square
Woodstock Square Historic District, 112 N. Benton Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-4300 Website: www.woodstockil.gov
Visual art displays and trunk sales, along with entertainment roaming the streets of downtown Woodstock, from 6 to 9 p.m. the second Friday of the month, coordinated by the Northwest Area Arts Council and business volunteers.
Friday, September 9
7 – 8 p.m. Cost: $10, Ages 18 & up
Why Canine Massage?
Sacred Mindscapes, 5435 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: Tammy 847-456-7695 & Carla 423-313-4144 Website: http://sacredmindscapes.com
Presented by Heide Jakiel of Mindful Canine Massage & Sacred Mindscapes. Join them to learn the benefits of canine massage. Just for fun you will also be making a braided tug toy for your dog. All supplies will be provided.
Saturday, September 10
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost: $1 admission
Twins Fall/Winter Resale
Huntley Park District, South Entrance, 12015 Mill Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Website: www.mchenrycountyliving.com
Thousands of gently used items, featuring: GAP, Gymboree, Carters, Little Tykes, Graco & other national brands! Sizes infant up to 14.
Saturday, September 10
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Art on the Farm
Tom’s Farm Market, 10214 Algonquin Road, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3421 Website: www.tomsfarmmarket.com
A shopping event featuring a juried group of local artists and antique merchants.
Saturday, September 10
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. FREE
9-11 American Flag Memorial & Display
Del Webb Sun City, near the fountain on Del Webb Blvd., Huntley, IL
Phone: 847-669-9021 Website: www.visitmchenrycounty.com
In remembrance of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, there will be a public American Flag Display at the fountain on Del Webb Blvd.
Saturday, September 10
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration 9 a.m. & Bikes out at 10 a.m. Cost: $20/Rider & $10/Passenger
Save Abandoned Babies 2nd Annual Motorcycle Run
Rookies Pub & Grill, 12200 Princeton Drive, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 815-585-9223 Website: www.agandonedbabies.org
Join us at Rookies Pub & Grill in Huntley for a 53 mile bike run to help publicize the Baby Safe Haven law in Illinois. There will be live music and many prizes available for raffle.
Saturday, September 10
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. FREE
Autumn Art Tour
Self-Guided Tour held by the Woodstock Professional & Business Women
Pick up maps at Material Thing Artisan Market, 103 E. Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL
Phone: 815-338-2436 Website: www.wpbw.org
Artists and fine craftsmen in Woodstock and the surrounding countryside will be opening their studios to display and sell their work. The self-guided tour will showcase the exceptional art and fine crafts produced in the region.
Saturday, September 10
8 – 10:30 a.m. FREE, Ages 14 & up.
Migratory Madness Morning
Glacial Park Conservation Area, Kettle Parking Lot, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org
Join volunteer bird enthusiast Dave Miller on a search for migratory birds stopping over at Glacial Park. Meet at the Kettle Parking Lot. After the hike head over to the Lost Valley Visitor Center to share notes and have refreshments. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.
Saturday, September 10
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. FREE
Yonder Prairie West Workday
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, 1150 S, Rosefarm Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-337-9502 Website: www.conservemc.org
Yonder Prairie has obtained the highest level of environmental protection in Illinois- Nature Preserve Status! This site is huge and has undergone a drastic environmental restoration in the last couple years, Keep up the good work! This workday will require lots of walking over steep terrain.
Saturday, September 10
2 – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $28
Tai Chi Ball Oigong Workshop
Young Masters Martial Arts & Fitness, Woodstock Square Mall, 110 S. Johnson Street, Lower level Studio 2, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 847-458-0377 Website: www.youngmasterfitness.com
A fun and invigorating workout using solid wooden balls! Tai Chi wooden balls were used in ancient times to increase strength and flexibility for weapons training. This workshop will cover the basic circling, rocking, and rotating movements with breathing techniques. Strengthen your joints and spine, and get a great upper body workout to go with the lower!
Saturday, September 10
3:30 – 6 p.m.
Cary Water Fights
Cary Fire Department, 400 Cary-Algonquin Road, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-2121 Website: www.mchenrycountyliving.com
Come cheer on the Cary fire fighters as they challenge other departments in a water battle. Enjoy food and refreshments!
Saturday, September, 10
Shows start at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cost: $23
Riders in the Sky
Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-5300 Website: www.woodstockoperahouse.com
As a classic cowboy quartet, with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, the Riders have chalked up over 6,000 concert appearances in all 50 states and 12 countries, appearing in venues everywhere from country fairs to Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl. Favorites with audiences young and old, the Riders are returning for their 18th appearance at the Woodstock Opera House.
Saturday, September 10
4 – 10 p.m. Cost: $5/4 – 6 p.m. & $8/6 – 10 p.m. & Kids 12 & under FREE
3rd Annual Rauetoberfest
Beyond Stable Farms, 11129 IL Route 176, Woodstock, IL
Phone: 815-356-9010 ext: 22 Website: www.rauecenter.org
RauetoberFest is Raue Center’s annual Oktoberfest. Scheduled to coincide with Munich’s own Oktoberfest in late September, RauetoberFest is a day long celebration of traditional German music, traditional German fair, and traditional German beers, meant to evoke the spirit of community.
Saturday, September 10
6 – 9 p.m. Cost: $80
Farm-to-Table Dinner: Vegetarian Harvest & Montinore Wines
Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-1032 Website: www.luc.edu
Celebrate summer’s final harvest with an all-vegetarian dinner featuring LUREC’s organically grown produce paired with the wines of Montinore. The evening starts with a wine reception in the LUREC gardens with appetizers and proceeds with a five-course wine dinner in Searle Hall.
Saturday, September 10
7 – 10 p.m. FREE
Star Party
Marengo Ridge, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo, IL
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org
Dress for chilly evenings and bring a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane (red light preserves your night vision) as well as insect repellent. Please arrive around 7:00 p.m. or come early and hike the trails. You are welcome to bring your own telescope or binoculars. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
Saturday, September 10
8 – 10:30 a.m. FREE, Ages 14 & up.
Migratory Madness Morning
Glacial Park Conservation Area, Kettle Parking Lot, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org
Join volunteer bird enthusiast Dave Miller on a search for migratory birds stopping over at Glacial Park. After the hike, head over to the Lost Valley Visitor Center to share notes and refreshments. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.
Sunday, September 11
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. FREE
Autumn Art Tour
Self-Guided Tour held by the Woodstock Professional & Business Women
Pick up maps at Material Thing Artisan Market, 103 E. Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL
Phone: 815-338-2436 Website: www.wpbw.org
Artists and fine craftsmen in Woodstock and the surrounding countryside will be opening their studios to display and sell their work. The self-guided tour will showcase the exceptional art and fine crafts produced in the region.
Sunday, September 11
6 a.m. Cost: $50 – $60/half marathon
Crystal Lake Park District 20th Annual Half Marathon
Lippold Park, Route 176 (just west of Route 14), Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-459-0680 ext. 1228 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org
The Crystal Lake Half Marathon takes runners on a tour of this small town in northern Illinois, past the 230-acre lake from which the town gets its name and through the alternately rolling and flat terrain of many of its suburban neighborhoods.
Sunday, September 11
1 – 3 p.m. FREE Ages 5 & up.
Creek Peek
Nippersink Canoe Trail, 400 E. Route 12, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org
Wear shoes you can wade in and come explore the amazing underwater world of the Nippersink Creek! Look for little critters and learn why they are so important to the creek.
Sunday, September 11
1 – 4 p.m. Speaker at 2 p.m. Cost: $5/museum members & $10/non-members
The Art of Wars
McHenry County Historical Society & Museum, 6422 Main Street, Union, IL 60180
Phone: 815-923-2267 Website: www.wpbw.org
Join speaker Robert Frenz at 2 p.m. as he ear marks the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the United States entry into World War II. Wartime propaganda posters, like those in Mr. Frenz’s collection, encouraged Americans to defend their country, ration food, conserve energy, purchase war bonds, produce for victory, and maintain secrecy. Learn about these iconic wartime images and the artists who created them.
Sunday, September 11
3 p.m. Cost: $33/Adult, $23/Student, $18/Children 12 & under
Hope Through Dance
Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-5300 Website: www.woodstockoperahouse.com
“Hope Through Dance” is a festival bringing together performance companies and dancers in honor of Laura Maceika. This performance is the annual fundraiser for the Laura Twirls Suicide Awareness Foundation, whose purpose is to provide financial support to the Centegra Health System Foundation (CHS) with a focus on programs for survivors of suicide, including public speaking events, counseling, art therapy programs, and dance initiatives.
Sunday, September 11
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. FREE
9-11 American Flag Memorial & Display
Del Webb Sun City, near the fountain on Del Webb Blvd., Huntley, IL
Phone: 847-669-9021 Website: www.visitmchenrycounty.com
In remembrance of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, there will be a public American Flag Display at the fountain on Del Webb Blvd. 1 p.m. American Flag Memorial Program.
Monday, September 12
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost: $7/resident & $8/non-resident. Ages 55 & up.
Sterne’s Woods & Wingate Prairie Wagon Ride
Sterne’s Woods & Fen, 5617 E. Hillside Road, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-459-0680 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org
Join us for a guided wagon ride tour of Sterne’s Woods and Wingate area. A different tour than last year led by John Fiorina, CLPD Manager of Natural Resources, learn the land’s rich history, restoration efforts and the flora and fauna of this spectacular land. Water bottle and snack provided. This tour requires being able to step up into the wagon.
Monday, September 12
5 to 9 p.m. FREE
Green Street Cruise Night
Corner of Green Street and Route 120, Green Street Municipal lot in downtown McHenry, IL
Phone: 815-728-0404 Website: www.anpac.com
Green Street Cruise Night is the largest and longest cruise night in McHenry County! Hundreds of classic and show-quality vehicles cruise into downtown McHenry on Monday Nights.
Monday, September 12
6 – 8 p.m. FREE
SOHO Meeting (Small Office Home Office)
McHenry Chamber Office, 1257 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL
Phone: Brent 847-986-9527 & Suszan 815-302-1334 Website: www.facebook.com/maccsoho
The Chamber’s support group for Small Office Home Office helps small business owners become the best entrepreneur they can be through sharing marketing ideas, financial skills, and day-to-day frustrations.
Monday, September 12
7 – 8:30 p.m. FREE
Coffee with the Woodstock Chief
Woodstock Police Department – Training Room, 656 Lake Avenue, Woodstock, IL
Phone: 815-338-6787 Website: www.woodstockil.gov
Chief of Police John Lieb cordially invites you to attend his monthly “Coffee with the Chief” open house to share a cup of coffee and let him know what’s on your mind. Chief Lieb is eager to answer any questions you may have or discuss specific concerns impacting your quality of life in our Community. In addition to Chief Lieb, there is often a guest speaker who speaks briefly about his or her job experiences as they relate to the Police Department or the City, or someone from an outside agency or organization that Chief Lieb feels would be of interest or beneficial to “coffee” attendees. Recent speakers have included: Permanent Beat Officer (PBO) Fred Eiselstein for Beat #21 (northeast quadrant of the city); PBO Adam Schraw for Beat #22 (northwest quadrant); PBO Andrew Reitz (southwest quadrant); and PBO Michael Karnath (southeast quadrant.).
Monday, September 12
7 – 9:30 p.m. Cost: $35, Ages 18 & up.
Art Attack – Adult Sip & Paint
Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-459-0680 ext. 1228 Website: www.artattackpaintparty.com
Enjoy an evening of painting with friends and watch the sun set over Crystal Lake! No talent necessary because you will get step by step instructions from local artist, Julie Kukreja. An 11×14 canvas will be completed each class. You may bring your own beverage but all other materials are provided.
Tuesday, September 13
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE
Home School Expo
Park Place Banquet Facility, 406 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-477-5871 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org
Class information for Crystal Lake Park District Home School Programs will be viewable online
July 15th.
Tuesday, September 13
12 – 1:30 p.m. Cost: $15
Using Hashtags to Grow & Market Your Business
Think Big Go Local Inc. Office & Training Center, 5435 Bull Valley Road, Suite 204, McHenry, IL
Phone: 877-799-4256 Website: www.thinkbiggolocal.com
In this course we will learn: What is a # hashtag? Where are they used? Why you should use them? What resources are available to help me discover the right hashtag? How will my business benefit from using hashtag?
Tuesday, September 13
5 – 7 p.m.
The 11th Annual MC3 Marketing Connection Group BINGO
Vickie’s Place, 1211 N. River Road, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-861-3620 Website: www.mc3online.com
Join in for food, fun, prizes and quality business networking.
Tuesday, September 13
7 – 8 p.m. FREE, Ages 14 & up.
Fungi Hike
Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org
Come out for a walk through the woods and learn all about the fascinating world of Fungi. Fall is an excellent time to spot a variety of mushrooms popping up.
Wednesday, September 14
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Cost: $8
Summertime on Bangs Lake, Wauconda Township, IL
Transportation from Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-459-0680 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org
Enjoy a late summer afternoon at Bangs Lake full of bocce ball, horseshoes, bags or shuffle board or stroll the nature trail along the banks included with an accessible fishing pier where pontoon boat rides will tour the lake. Visit our senior friendly vendors and entertainment and enjoy a picnic lunch of hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, potato salad, dessert and drinks. Bring a lawn chair, friends and sunscreen and we will do the rest!
Wednesday, September 14
10 – 11 a.m. Cost: FREE/resident & $2/non-resident.
Ages 6 & under.
Stroller Strut
Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, Shelter 1, 2411 North Route 23, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-338-6223 Website www.mccdistrict.org
Explore and enjoy nature on this casual stroller walk. By using your senses and descriptive words you become more familiar with the natural world around us. Dress for the weather and bring your own water to ensure the comfort of your child.
Wednesday, September 14
12 – 1 p.m. FREE
Bring Your Lunch & Learn
McHenry Chamber Office, 1257 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-385-4300 Website: www.paradisefinancial.biz
Event Description: “The Living Benefits of Life Insurance”. Presented by Donna and Mark Adams, Paradise Financial Partners. Most people that have life insurance policies have them tucked away in a drawer and have forgotten about them. Learn how life insurance can help with things like college funding and added income in retirement. This informative luncheon will teach you that there can be much more to a life insurance policy than providing for your loved ones. Lunch will be provided.
Wednesday, September 14
2 – 4 p.m. Cost: $5/donation
High Tea & Fashion Show
Hearthstone Village, 840 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL
Phone: 815-338-2110 Website: www.mchenrycountyliving.com
All profits supporting Home of the Sparrow.
Wednesday, September 14
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. FREE
Young Professionals Meeting
Hickory Lodge, McCullom Lake, 3018 Hickory Drive, McCullom Lake, IL 60050
Phone: 815-344-3455 Website: www.mchenrychamber.com
There will be a short business meeting then networking.
