No Memorial Day parade in Huntley this year, but Fourth of July parade planned

Last year, the Huntley American Legion announced it wasn’t going to have Memorial Day parades going forward.

The organization opted against sponsoring future parades because of concerns that the occasion had become too celebratory, but officials said there were plans to observe Memorial Day with a ceremony moving forward.

Village of Huntley records indicate the American Legion plans to hold this year’s ceremony at 11 a.m. Memorial Day, May 26. The location has yet to be determined, according to those records.

However, the Fourth of July celebration will have a parade this year, as will the December holiday event, A Very Merry Huntley, will have parades as part of this year’s festivities.

Steve Skurski, Huntley’s community engagement coordinator, said Tuesday there has been interest in having a July 4 parade, but the elimination of the Memorial Day parade opened up the opportunity to add the new event.

The parade details are still being finalized, but the July 4 fireworks show Huntley has hosted in years past is scheduled to continue this year. Huntley has budgeted $35,000 for the parade and fireworks show this year, according to village records.

The Village Board is expected to review the special events Huntley plans to put on for calendar year 2025 this week. The board meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at Village Hall, 10987 Main Street.

No one from the American Legion was available for comment Tuesday.