Harvard Milk Days returns for its 84th year

Harvard Milk Days returns for its 84th year

Billed as the oldest continuous hometown festival in Illinois, Milk Days is the first of the county’s many summer festivals – a summer of nonstop fun lasting through Cary Main Street Fest in late September.

Milk Days takes place this year on the weekend of June 6-8, preceded with the traditional teasers of the Big Wheel Race and Bed Race on June 4, and the downtown Youth Parade on June 5. Visit the Harvard Milk Days website, and follow Milk Days on Facebook, to learn more about the events.

Dole, other county farmers markets return outdoors for summer

The market made its triumphant return on Sunday, and they’ll be back most Sundays through the end of October (minus June 29 and July 6 for Lakeside Fest). It’s open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, in Crystal Lake. Click here for a list of their vendors, food trucks and entertainment, and be sure to follow them on Facebook!

The Woodstock Farmers Market returned to the Square several weeks ago, and other equally great markets in McHenry, downtown Crystal Lake, Cary, Huntley and Wonder Lake are returning as well. Our friends at Naturally McHenry County have put together a great list with hours and dates – click here to check it out. And if you’re a fan of the downtown Crystal Lake market, make sure to take note of its (temporary) new location this year.

The Cary Uncovered Passport Challenge is here

Our friends at Naturally McHenry County have launched another of their passport challenges highlighting what makes our communities special.

The Cary Uncovered Summer Passport Challenge offers a family-friendly way to explore the town. Spend the summer exploring 15 outdoor parks, playgrounds and dining spots across Cary – complete at least 10 and you’ll earn a free prize you can pick up at Cary Main Street Fest in late September.

To learn more and to download the free Naturally McHenry County app to check in at your locations, click here.

Have questions about how to read or pay your property tax bill?

You can watch her presentation by clicking the picture above or by clicking here.

Installments for this year’s bills are due June 10 and Sept. 10. McHenry County Government accounts for only about 6.5% of your tax bill.

While it is too late to contest your 2024 assessment, click here for a list of available exemptions to ensure for future years that you are applying for every exemption for which you are qualified.

Watch our Rise and Thrive video series

The video series, released last fall, highlights a number of McHenry County’s strengths, including its forward-thinking workforce development and training network, its modern infrastructure and transportation system, its growing manufacturing base, and its unmatched recreation and leisure opportunities.

Don’t miss out – you can watch the five-video series by clicking on the photo above or by clicking here.

McHenry County Patriot Run returns to raise funds for our veterans

The McHenry County Patriot Run is again returning to give runners and walkers a chance to help veterans while they’re getting their steps in.

The annual McHenry County Patriot Run is taking place at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 22 at Veterans Acres Park, 431 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake.

Participants can do a 5K run, a 10K run, or a one-mile walk or run along Veterans Acres’ beautiful trail network. Proceeds from the event benefits Veterans Path to Hope, and the City of Crystal Lake Blue Star Banner Program.

You can register by clicking here, and be sure to visit the Patriot Run’s Facebook page to learn more.

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.