HUNTLEY — Despite frigid temperatures, a good number of residents came out to celebrate a whole day of festivities during Huntley’s annual “Christmas on the Square” celebration that took place on Dec. 3.
Starting at 9 a.m., residents were able to shop around in the Kris Kringle Market located in the Fellowship Hall (11628 E. Main Street), with more activities becoming available as the day progressed.
Similar to last year’s Christmas celebration, the large crowd of residents couldn’t wait until the 5 p.m. festivities, which involved Santa and Mrs. Claus being transported to the gazebo in the Town Square on a Huntley Fire Department fire truck.
Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft greeted residents by first thanking all of the sponsors who helped bring the celebration together as well as reminding attendees to vote for their favorite decorated Christmas tree as all the money collected from that event would be donated to the Grafton Food Pantry.
Hoeft also gave his gratitude to the volunteers from the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association for their work in directing and assisting residents in attendance at the festivities.
“As always I would like to thank you in advance for shopping Huntley first this holiday season,” Hoeft added.
A few moments later, the fire truck transporting Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived, which was celebrated by the large crowd of residents.
As well as being there to take photos, Santa and Mrs. Claus would also be helping with the lighting of the village’s Christmas tree and the Square.
Having taken his place in the gazebo, Santa greeted the crowd with a hearty, “Hello Huntley,” before leading attendees in a countdown to the lighting of the Square.
As the red glow of the fire truck’s lights finally gave way to the brilliant Christmas lights now illuminating the Square, fireworks began going off to conclude the celebration.
“We were happy to provide Santa his sleigh [on Dec. 3]. Thank you, Santa, for helping light our community,” stated the Huntley Fire Protection District in a statement.
Despite the fireworks show signaling the end of the festivities, residents were still able to enjoy a pasta dinner at the Huntley Legion Post 673 at the Legion Hall located at 11712 Coral Street, until 6:30 p.m.
“Fun was had by all at the Very Merry Huntley event on the downtown Square,” said Huntley small business Patrick Michael Jewelers on its Facebook page. “Everyone enjoyed the tree lighting, live reindeer, train rides for the kids, and Santa and Mrs. Claus’s arrival on the fire truck. The evening ended with [a] fantastic fireworks show [and] marked the official beginning of Christmas in Huntley!”
