Do you know what is happening in the county? Read 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.

Fair building named after legendary broadcaster Orion Samuelson

For 60 years, Orion Samuelson’s distinctive, booming voice explained the importance of agriculture to listeners of WGN Radio. His timely broadcasts served not only farmers and agribusiness, but also served everyday citizens by making agriculture easy to understand.

“If you eat, you’re involved in agriculture,” Orion was fond of saying.

Orion was honored at an August 2 ceremony at the McHenry County Fair with the renaming of Building D as the Honorary Orion Samuelson Meeting Hall. County Board Chairman Mike Buehler also read and presented him and his wife, Gloria, a copy of a proclamation honoring him that will be adopted this month.

The honor is well-deserved, given the vital importance of agriculture to McHenry County’s economy. Orion was interviewed by WGN Radio about the honor, and you can listen to it here.

Sheriff’s National Night Out event

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 8th.

The event took place at Petersen Park, located on McCullom Lake Road just west of Route 31, in McHenry. Sheriff’s deputies teamed up with the McHenry Police Department, the Johnsburg Police Department and the McHenry County Conservation District Police for a free and fun evening of games, face-painting, and other activities.

Police departments across the nation every August observe National Night Out, an annual campaign to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement and encourage a sense of community. You can learn more about it by clicking here.

Take the 2050 Comprehensive Plan survey

The Regional Planning Commission that’s developing the McHenry County 2050 Comprehensive Plan wants local businesses to participate in its ongoing residential survey.

The survey, which is open to residents, business owners and operators, property owners, developers and other community stakeholders, asks people to weigh in on issues and opportunities facing McHenry County in the future. You can find the survey by clicking here.

You can learn more about the plan by clicking here. When completed, the Comprehensive Plan will serve as a blueprint for McHenry County’s future by setting policies that will direct growth and development for the next 30 years.

The photo was taken at the McHenry County Fair, where McHenry County reserved a booth to raise awareness of the plan. Thank you to RPC members Mary Donner and Michelle Thimios for being among those volunteering their time!

Voting for the top farmers markets in the USA for 2023 is open!

Happy National Farmers Market Week! And in McHenry County, where we have a bunch of quality farmers markets offering fresh produce and locally made goods, it’s a very happy week, indeed.

As always, our friends at Naturally McHenry County have compiled a list of county farmers’ markets and you-pick farms, which you can find here. And, of course, we would be extremely remiss if we didn’t mention that McHenry County is home to two of the best farmers markets in the state!

The Farmers Market+ at the Dole and the Woodstock Farmers Market have been named by the American Farmland Trust as two of the top five farmers’ markets in the entire Midwest. And the AFT has opened voting for its 2023 rankings – be sure to take a minute to visit their site and cast your vote for your favorite local farmers’ market through September 18!

Annual McHenry County Water Forum takes place September 13

You’re cordially invited to come to McHenry County College on September 13 to learn more about McHenry County’s water supply, and how to ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The theme of this year’s McHenry County Water Forum is Water Conservation, which is vital to support growth while protecting water resources – and it’s timely, given that almost all of Illinois and much of the Midwest is experiencing a drought.

Residents, businesses and policymakers are invited to attend the sixth annual forum, which will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. September 13, at the MCC Luecht Auditorium, 8900 Route 31, Crystal Lake. The free forum will be catered by Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, so come hungry.

Visit the McHenry County Water Resources Division website at mchenryh2o.com to learn more.

Bands, Brews & BBQ returns to McHenry

While we love all McHenry County festivals and events, there’s a special place in our hearts for events that leave nothing to the imagination as to what they’re about.

If there’s an Exhibit A, it’s the annual Bands, Brews & BBQ festival in McHenry. Talk about a name that sells itself!

The festival, which is the premier fundraising event for the McHenry Area Rotary, returns once again to Petersen Park from August 18 to 20. It features great music, and great food and drink, for great causes – Rotary donates 100% of the proceeds to a variety of local, national and international charitable organizations.

Visit mrbbb.com for ticket information and for a complete list of bands and vendors, and be sure to follow the event on Facebook.

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.