Leaves changing colors, apple pies, pumpkin patches and hayrides are just a few things that let you know fall is here! This weekend kick off your celebration of the fall season with these two fantastic festivals that are conveniently located near your McHenry County new home.

On Saturday, September 29^th, the 20^th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival will be bringing communities together at Crystal Lake. This is one of Crystal Lake’s largest events and it is open to everyone from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some great attractions at this fall festival include live music, craft vendors, delicious fair food, children’s games and rides, and of course, an apple pie eating contest. The Great Ball Race on Brink Street is also a ton of fun, with the grand prize winner receiving $1,000! To learn more about this fun event, please visit the website, and don’t forget to look for Johnny Appleseed in the crowd! 

If one day of fun isn’t enough, then take the family to the Harvest Festival at Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology Campus on Sunday, September 30^th, from noon to 5 p.m. Harvest Festival is a celebration of this year’s harvest and provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and alumni to gather with the local community to learn more about Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology campus. This family-friendly festival boasts FREE food, live music, beverages, face and pumpkin painting, a farmers market and so much more! While admission is free, a $10 donation is suggested to support programming at Loyola University. To register for this event, visit the Harvest Festival 2012 website.

Gerstad Builders offers exceptional McHenry County real estate in the most desirable locations, giving homeowners easy access to year-round community activities. For more information on one of our four beautiful communities, visit www.gerstadbuilders.com today!