All Seasons Orchard wins top honor from USA Today… and other important McHenry County news

Written on September 27, 2023.

McH THRIVE Update!

Resume McHenry County becomes McH THRIVE!

With the end of the state and federal COVID-19 states of emergency, it’s time to stop talking about resuming life as normal and dedicate it to moving ahead, together, better than before.

We deserve the opportunity that lies before us… our manufacturers and small businesses, our workforce, our tourism industry, our agriculture and agritourism sectors and our economic development agencies and chambers of commerce… all of us deserve the opportunity to THRIVE!

Thank you for reading and subscribing to the new McH THRIVE! You can help us continue to grow by forwarding this email to people who you think would enjoy it. They can subscribe by visiting McHenryCountyIL.gov/social.com or on social media.

All Seasons Orchard makes USA Today Top 10 list

Congratulations to All Seasons Apple Orchard for being named one of the top 10 orchards in the nation by USA Today!

The Woodstock orchard came in at number 10, as voted upon by USA Today’s readers. It was the only Illinois orchard, and one of three in the Midwest, to be so honored. All Seasons, besides being home to more than 15,000 apple trees, features a pumpkin patch, a barnyard, a huge children’s play area, and lots of other attractions.

Congratulations as well to Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, which was nominated for USA Today’s competition for Best Corn Maze. Richardson Farm placed in the Top 10 in 2021, and we have no doubt they’ll be in the running next year.

We’re in the midst of fall apple-picking season, so be sure to click here for a great list of McHenry County orchards!

MCEDC partners with energy company to drive business growth, savings

The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation is partnering with a wholesale energy management company to foster economic growth for county businesses.

The MCEDC announced earlier this month that it has partnered with Chicago-based GIG Energy Corp. to offer local businesses energy-management solutions as energy costs continue to rise.

As part of the partnership, GIG Energy Corp. is offering McHenry County businesses a free, in-depth energy audit to furnish business owners with insights to make informed decisions about energy efficiency and costs. To schedule a complimentary audit, call 630-797-0736 or email kyle.warford@gigenergycorp.com.

Get ready for beautiful fall colors in McHenry County

The leaves are already beginning to turn here in McHenry County – be sure to get yourself and your family an awesome front-row seat while it lasts!

Our friends at Naturally McHenry County have come up with a list of local parks and nature areas that offer dazzling views of fall colors, which you can find by clicking here. Not to be outdone, the McHenry County Conservation District has done the same, and you can find its list of sites here.

If your travels will take you other places in Illinois, be sure to check out the Enjoy Illinois fall colors trip planner, which includes great sites, and a forecast so you can track where the leaf colors are changing.

Register now for the MCEDC Annual Dinner

Be sure to save your seat for the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation’s annual dinner.

Registration is now open for the event, which takes place Wednesday, November 8, at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, 800 S. Route 31; networking starts at 5 p.m., with dinner following at 6. Besides sharing the achievements and successes the year has brought to the county business community, the dinner also features the presentation of the MCEDC‘s annual Business Champion Awards.

Tickets are $125 each, or $800 for a table of eight, and there are opportunities and perks for becoming an event sponsor. Visit the MCEDC website at mchenrycountyedc.com to purchase tickets before the November 1 deadline.

Sign up for email updates for the Chicago to Rockford rail project

Did you miss last week’s open house regarding the project to bring back passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford (which will include a stop in Huntley)?

If you did, don’t worry – you can have information on the ambitious project delivered right to your inbox by signing up for the Illinois Passenger Rail Project mailing list! Just visit its website at chicagotorockfordrail.org, and you can sign up right on the main page.

Plans call for using the existing Milwaukee West Line to Elgin and Union Pacific tracks between Elgin and Rockford to provide two round trips a day by late 2027; the state has allocated $275 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funding to build a connection between the Metra and Union Pacific tracks at Big Timber, improve track conditions to allow for train speeds up to 79 mph, improve crossings and structures such as bridges as well as build stations in Huntley, Belvidere, Elgin and Rockford.

The website includes much more information, including an interactive map and ways to get involved.

30th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival returns to Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake’s largest one-day event brings downtown Crystal Lake alive to celebrate fall – and to celebrate its 30th year!

The Johnny Appleseed Festival returns to downtown Crystal Lake from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 30. The day is filled with family events like pony and wagon rides, a petting zoo, games, live music, inflatables, a craft fair, and of course, Johnny Appleseed himself.

Click here, or call Downtown Crystal Lake at 815-479-0835, to learn more.

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What is McH Thrive?

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.