Huntley plans holiday fun, warns about pipe insurance

HUNTLEY -- Village board members got a roundup recently of holiday plans in Huntley.

The second annual Christmas on the Square event will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. According to Management Assistant Barb Reed, the village will build on last year's fun of Santa arriving via firetruck at the gazebo for photos and Christmas stories being read by staffers at the old village hall.

New this year, the village plans to offer a Kris Kringle market with vendors and crafters selling their wares on the square. Reed said the Jaycees are hosting a coat drive for the needy as well. In addition, this year's events will include a choral group singing Christmas carols.

The board also approved an exception to its sign ordinance that will allow the Huntley Factory Outlet Mall to advertise a "Midnight Madness Pajama Jam" on Black Friday -- the day after Thanksgiving. Opening the mall doors at midnight, the first 500 shoppers lined up at the food court wearing pajamas will get a free pair of Jockey pajamas and a gift bag.

This will be the third year for the event.

In other business, village officials issued a caution to residents who are being solicited by a water line insurance group called Home Service. Village Manager Dave Johnson said some Huntley residents have received a form letter from the company with an offer to insure the water lines that lead to their homes. The board cautioned residents that the organization is not associated with the village and that the village is not sponsoring or encouraging this practice.

In a press release, Johnson said Home Service is a private company selling a service and that "residents should know it is rare that a water service line needs the type of repair described in this letter."

For more information, residents, can call the public works department at (847) 515-5274.