In Crystal Lake, it isn’t cool crisp weather or the change of color in the leaves, but the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival that kicks off fall. This year was extra special as it marked the 30th anniversary of this crowd favorite. This year’s festival was full to the brim with fun, vendors, and entertainment.
Once again, downtown Crystal Lake made way for that famed traveler and storyteller, Johnny Appleseed. True to form, he had listeners sitting on the edge of their haybales.
If you missed the festival this year, we can’t deliver the fun, but we can at least show you a little of what you missed.
And if you want to continue down memory lane, be sure to check out these articles from previous years, including one of the very first ones we published in 2014, 2021, & 2023.
Address: Williams St & Brink St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
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Always fun to check out the police car.Not to be out done though, the Crystal Lake Fire Department opens up for lots to look at.Lined up for some face painting.Always a crowd favorite, the Crystal Lake Strikers command an audience.Rocking the traditional grip.Face painting and balloon animals!Learning how to operate the apple peeler.Crystal Lake Public Library.Sheer Vinyl spinning the tunes and making announcements.
Looking for more fall activities near you? See our Fun Fall Events & Activities Guide!
Pony rides.Petting zoo.Perfect day for some shaved ice from The Inside Scoop.Wouldn’t be the Johnny Appleseed Festival without the the Harms Farm Farmall pulling the pumpkin barrel train!Cheese!!!You’ve never bowled until you’ve pumpkin bowled!Girl Scouts working the carnival games.So close!Going for the Apple-Tause.
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Cruising downtown with the Crystal Lake Parks hayride.An opportunity to educate.Engage dancers performing for the crowd.Johnny Appleseed telling his tales.One of many decorated scarecrows.Where? He’s right behind you!Anticipation.Boo Man Group!Rate this article?
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.