Rock on for a good cause at McHenry Music Fest!

McHenry Music Festival returns to Petersen Park

Once again, three days of music are coming to Petersen Park in McHenry – with the profits going to fund community improvement projects.

The McHenry Music Festival takes place from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14, with a dozen nationally recognized acts taking the stage; parking each day opens at 1 p.m., with gates opening at 3:30, and shows starting at 4:30. Visit their website for rules and ticket information.

All proceeds from the annual festival go toward projects that benefit McHenry residents and children – this year’s proceeds will help fund a bicycle playground and pump track.

Since its 2021 creation, the annual concert has raised more than $1.2 million to fund community projects such as the city’s first splash pad, improvements to the waterfront, and a new ADA-compliant playground.

Get your steps in at McHenry County corn mazes

Does getting lost in a cornfield sound like your idea of a good time?

If so, McHenry County offers a lot of opportunities to take on the challenge of navigating a local corn maze! From the small to the utterly gigantic – including one that boasts to be the world’s largest – you’ll definitely want to lose yourself. And many corn mazes offer fresh produce, fresh-baked goods, and other farm fun.

You can find a list of local corn mazes on the website of our friends at Naturally McHenry County!

Enterprise Zone racks up continued successes

Congratulations to the City of Woodstock, which announced last week that Action Packaging will be relocating its headquarters to the McHenry County Enterprise Zone! Action Packaging was recently named by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the 50 fastest-growing privately-held businesses in the Chicago area, and has made the Inc. 5000 list in 2024 and 2025 for being one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.

The McHenry County Enterprise Zone, located in parts of Woodstock, Marengo, and Harvard, offers businesses major tax benefits and savings, such as receiving a full exemption on state and local sales tax on qualified building materials, being able to deduct half a percent of the total project value from state income tax, receiving up to 8 years of tax abatement on improved properties (location dependent) and more!

Since its 2016 creation, the Enterprise Zone now encompasses 51 projects that have created 612 full-time equivalent jobs, with a total investment of $88.7 million. You can learn more about the Enterprise Zone and everything it has to offer by watching the 2-minute video above, and by visiting the zone’s website.

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition begins second cohort

Two weeks ago, the McHenry County Economic Development Corp., in partnership with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College, officially kicked off the second cohort of the MCEDC’s Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition program!

Over the eight-week program, this dynamic group of business-minded individuals will delve into the ins and outs of buying, building, and growing an existing business. With access to powerful tools, expert insights, and peer support, they’re not just learning how to acquire – they’re also learning how to grow and lead in their fields.

Programs like ETA are critical to the strength of our local business ecosystem, helping ensure that ownership stays right here in McHenry County! Congratulations to MCEDC for launching this program, and good luck to the students in this second cohort.

Sheriff’s Office seeking Citizens Police Academy applicants

Time’s running out to apply for the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy!

The interactive 10-week program offers community members a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement; it features classroom sessions, discussions and hands-on demonstrations highlighting the many divisions and operations of the Sheriff’s Office. The goal is to provide participants with an enjoyable, educational experience while expanding understanding of the services the Sheriff’s Office provides to the community. Graduates of the program may be eligible to apply for the Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program when openings are available.

Meeting times are 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 9 to Nov. 18 (with the exception of Veterans Day) at the Sheriff’s Office, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. There is no cost, but applicants must fill out an online application no later than noon Monday, Sept. 1. McHenry County residents receive priority, but non-residents are welcome to apply.

For questions, contact Deputy Sam Lacina at silacina@mchenrycountyil.gov.

Autumn Art Tour coming next week to Woodstock Square

As summer starts coming to a close, why not enjoy the agreeable weather while appreciating some outstanding art?

The Woodstock Professional & Business Women is hosting its annual Autumn Art Tour, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.

With stops in and around the Woodstock Square, the tour will feature a wide range of work from local artists, including pottery, painting, glass, jewelry, photography and mixed media.

The tour is free to the public, with sponsorship and raffle proceeds benefiting scholarships for Woodstock women. You can visit the WPBW website to learn more about the artists and to find a map of exhibits.

If you like what you see, you can help us reach more McHenry County residents and businesses by sharing it!

Staying connected and informed is more important now than ever! Follow McHenry County on social media to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

McH Thrive is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents.