Local Towns Plan 'Reversed' Parades For Holidays

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — It's hard to believe we have almost made it through all of 2020, but here we are. With the holidays upon us, area towns are getting creative and finding new ways to preserve old traditions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Festival of Lights Parade will be reversed as will the Merry Cary Parade and Algonquin plans to hold a beep and greet with Santa. Here is a look at some fun holiday events planned for the coming weeks in town and nearby.

• Did we miss a holiday event worth mentioning? Let editor Amie Schaenzer know by e-mailing her at amie.schaenzer@patch.com. You can also post on the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch or Crystal Lake-Cary Patch calendars.

Friday, Nov. 27

Crystal Lake

• What: Festival of Lights Drive-Thru Parade
• Where: Downtown Crystal Lake
• When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 27

Even COVID-19 can’t mess with Crystal Lake’s holiday traditions. The Festival of Lights Parade will go on--but without the packed crowds lining downtown streets. Instead, the floats, bands and holiday displays will park along both blocks of Williams Street and the spectators can drive down past all the parade units. Santa’s float will be at the end of Williams Street near the downtown Christmas tree. Those interested in being a part of the event can call representatives with downtown Crystal Lake at 815-479-0835 or send an e-mail to DowntownCL@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Algonquin

• What: Holiday Express Santa Beep and Greet
• Where: Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive
• When: 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 5

Get your cozy PJs on and head over to the “North Pole,” or Jacobs High School, for a socially-distanced visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stay in your vehicles and be sure to wave, and beep, like crazy. The village of Algonquin is sponsoring the “beep and greet.”

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Sunday, Dec. 6

Cary

• What: Merry Cary Parade Gets Turned Around
• Where: Cars will enter off Main Street and High Road and exit via Jandus Road.
• When: 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6

The Merry Cary Parade is still happening this year, but like everything about 2020, it’s different. The Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a turned-around parade, which means floats, displays and vehicles will be parked in the North Metra parking lot and those coming out to see the parade will drive through and enjoy the parade safely from a distance. And without crowds. Those wishing to register to take part in the parade can do so online.

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