Check out This week’s McH THRIVE!

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.

It’s strawberry picking time – but not for long!

We knew a picture of fresh red strawberries would get your attention – the season is upon us, but it won’t last!

If you’re new to McHenry County’s you-pick berry farms, our friends at Naturally McHenry County have put together an guide to picking strawberries – click here to learn the basics, and to find some strawberry farms near you!

Even though fresh strawberry season is fleeting, take heart, because summer also means fresh raspberries, green beans, blueberries, sweet corn, and other farm-fresh produce. McHenry County is home to many family-owned farms growing the freshest fruits and vegetables around – click here for a list of farms and farmstands, and click here for a list of local farmers’ markets.

McHenry County unveils new website

Head on over to www.mchenrycountyil.gov to check out the newly redesigned county government website that went live yesterday!

If you’re a regular MCH Thrive reader, you’ll recognize the awesome new branding identity that county government, Naturally McHenry County, and the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. unveiled last year. But there’s a lot more to the website than a new look.

The redesign makes the website much easier to navigate and locate information, and puts the services that residents need right at their fingertips. Also, it more prominently features news and video, and buttons to access McHenry County’s social media pages, to help tell McHenry County’s story.

Advance McHenry County program touted in U of I webinar

McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler recently touted the success story of the Advance McHenry County program during a webinar regarding the various ways Illinois counties used their federal COVID-19 relief funding.

The County Board created Advance McHenry County to invest half of the $59.8 million it received in American Rescue Plan Act funding into programs directly benefitting the community. Twenty-nine grants totaling $25.3 million have been approved, which have invested into infrastructure capital projects, workforce development and jobs programs, nonprofit agencies, special districts, and local governments.

McHenry County was one of four counties participating in the webinar hosted by the University of Illinois – you can click on the link above to watch it. Earlier this year, the US Treasury Department singled out Advance McHenry County as an example of creative ways that local governments are putting COVID relief funding to good use.

Treasurer’s Office opening Saturday before first tax installment due

The McHenry County Treasurer’s Office will be open this Saturday in order to offer county residents more time and convenience to pay the first installment of their property taxes.

The office, located at 2100 N. Seminary Ave., in Woodstock, will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 10 – two days before the Monday, June 12 due date. People can pay in the lobby in person, or pay through one of the office’s four drive-thru lanes.

If you’re looking for even more convenience, the Treasurer’s Office has waived processing fees for people who wish to pay online or over the phone by electronic check, or E-Check. Click here to learn more.

The second and final property tax installment is due Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Barnstormer Day flying into Galt Airport

Airplane aficionados should put Galt Airport on their flight plan next week.

Barnstormer’s Day returns from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the airport, located at 5112 Greenwood Road, in Wonder Lake.

The family-friendly event includes a pancake breakfast through 11 a.m., rows of airplanes and vintage cars, children’s activities, and a live big band. Parking and admission are free.

Click here to learn more. Funds raised from the event support the nonprofit endeavors of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 932, including aviation scholarships and aviation/STEM programs for children and young adults.

Woodstock Pride Fest celebrating fifth anniversary this weekend

Woodstock Pride Fest returns to the Square this weekend for its fifth anniversary.

The fun begins Saturday with events including the Rainbow Run from 10 a.m. to noon at Emricson Park, and the Pride Fest Pub Crawl from 6 to 10 p.m.

The Pride Fest Parade and Festival fills the Square from 11 am to 5 p.m. Sunday, with food, entertainment, vendors and more! And make sure you check out the Pride-themed art promenade that will be up throughout the weekend – check out its Facebook page to learn more.

Visit Pride Fest’s website, and follow it on Facebook, for a complete list of events!