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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.

Public-private partnership announced to launch trail project

Leaders of McHenry County and Kenosha County joined Thelen Sand and Gravel last Thursday to announce an initiative to build a new multi-use trail to link the two counties together.

The proposed Midwest Interstate Trail would connect the existing trail systems in both counties. Thelen Sand and Gravel, which maintains operations in both counties, has pledged to donate land to cover 8 miles of the trail.

Funding is being sought from both states, as well as federal sources, to pay for phases of the project before any work moves forward. County officials were joined by representatives of both states’ governments to support securing needed funding.

Click here to learn more. We’ll keep our readers updated on the project as it moves along – besides reading McH Thrive, be sure to follow us on social media!

McHenry County government to hold Vendor Workshop

Are you a vendor who would like to do business with McHenry County Government – and would like to be informed when opportunities arise?

McHenry County’s Procurement and Special Services Department is holding a Vendor Workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, September 22, to explain the procurement process and to sign up businesses for its mailing list.

You can attend in person at the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, or virtually – the graphic above contains the instructions for attending remotely.

To learn more about the Procurement Department and doing business with McHenry County, click here.

County eligible for SBA disaster loans from severe weather event

McHenry County has been declared eligible for US Small Business Administration emergency loans as a result of the severe weather and flooding that struck our area between June 29 and July 2.

While the declaration covered Cook County, McHenry County and the rest of the contiguous collar counties are also eligible. Disaster loans are available to cover damage to homes, and both physical and economic damage to businesses.

Click here to learn more, and to learn how to apply for a loan.

The deadline to file for physical damage loans is October 16, and the deadline to file for economic injury loans is May 15, 2024.

Woodstock Creative Living Series returns for its 60th year

The Woodstock Fine Arts Association‘s Creative Living Series is celebrating its 60th birthday this year!

For six decades, the series has brought the greatest authors, artists, performers, speakers, tastemakers and leaders to Woodstock Opera House to share their expertise, experiences and insights. This year’s guests include famed Arctic explorer Will Steger, rocket scientist and best-selling author Homer Hickam, craftswoman Frances Palmer, and Laura Dowling, former White House chief floral designer.

This year’s anniversary season only lasts through December because of renovations to the Opera House auditorium scheduled to start next year, so don’t miss out! You can learn more about this year’s speakers, and purchase tickets, by clicking here.

All Seasons, Richardson Farm in the running for USA Today top honors

Two legendary McHenry County farms are in the running to represent the Chicago area as the best in the nation, as ranked by USA Today.

All Seasons Apple Orchard, in Woodstock, and Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, have been nominated for Best Apple Orchard, and Best Corn Maze, respectively. (Keep reading to learn about this year’s maze!)

Voting ends this weekend, so let’s cast our ballots and give these two agritourism giants the recognition they deserve – click here to vote for All Seasons, and click here to vote for Richardson.

By the way, be sure you read next week’s edition of McH Thrive to learn about all the area apple orchards and when they’ll be open!

Richardson Adventure Park unveils Jurassic Park corn maze

“Welcome … to Jurassic Park.”

This year, Richardson Adventure Park’s corn maze, said to be the world’s largest, is paying tribute to the original Jurassic Park, which hit the movie screens 30 years ago – they spent a week on their Facebook page teasing the design before revealing it last Thursday, and like always, it was worth the wait.

The maze officially opens September 9, and you can buy tickets by clicking here. The corn maze is just one of the many activities that Richardson Farm boasts – click here to check it all out.

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.