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December 17, 2024

Participants at the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce's Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl event raise their mugs of cocoa at the village Christmas tree. From left: Kathleen Rezendes, Irene Myers and Sheila Klaratos.
Steve Peterson
Participants at the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl event raise their mugs of cocoa at the village Christmas tree. From left: Kathleen Rezendes, Irene Myers and Sheila Klaratos.

Features • December 17, 2024

Cocoa, ice sculptures highlight Huntley’s event

By

HUNTLEY — A small group at Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl raised their mugs of cocoa and took a sip at the Huntley Square’s Christmas tree.

“It’s the best way to get into the Christmas mood,” Sun City resident Kathleen Rezendes said. She was present with Irene and Emory Myers and Sheila Klaratas.

A total of 27 ice sculptures were placed around the Town Square Dec. 14. The event, themed Holiday Animation, took place on a windy and chilly day, but the hundreds attending did not seem to mind. Participants could stop by at the 11 refilling stations for more hot cocoa, or try their luck at the iceless skating rink. Movie characters were portrayed to add to the festivities.

The Ice Sculptures and Cocoa Crawl event was in its third year, co-hosted by the Village of Huntley and the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce. Melissa Stocker of the Village of Huntley designed the event and Denise Garza from DD Creations created the mug.

Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Binger summed up the day’s success.

“We couldn’t be happier with how the event turned out,” Binger said. “The Huntley community and visitors from near and far came together to celebrate the holidays and enjoy this magical experience, rain or shine. The joyful energy and incredible community spirit make this event so special. We’re thrilled to see people traveling from all over to be part of it, showcasing the charm and vibrancy of Huntley while supporting our local businesses. A big thank you to all the cocoa stations, sponsors, volunteers and to the Village of Huntley for hosting it with the Huntley Area Chamber.”

Ice sculpture artists described their craft.
“We’ve been working on them since September,” Mary Maloney of Nadeu’s Ice Sculptures said. “The one about ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was the most difficult. It was just a lot of details.”

Camyrn Rogers of Nadeu’s provided attendees with a demonstration of how an ice sculpture is made.

“It’s very gratifying and something you can learn quickly,” Rogers said.

Travis Kelly said he has been with Nadeu’s Ice Sculptures for about eight months.

“I like going to the different towns, this is our third event this month,” Kelly said.

Participants from out of town also enjoyed the cocoa, Santa Claus and s’mores which were cooked over a fire pit.

“This is my first time here,” Paula Carlson of Ingleside, who was visiting her daughter Jenna of Huntley, said. “It’s very nice, like a Hallmark movie.”

Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft rang the bell for the Salvation Army fundraiser as part of a friendly competition among mayors of McHenry County towns. Kids enjoyed having their photos taken at a miniature sleigh.