Matthew Apgar

This photo gallery showcases some of the top sports photos taken by Northwest Herald photographers in 2021.

This photo gallery showcases some of the top feature photos taken by Northwest Herald photographers from 2021.

This photo gallery showcases some of the top news photos taken by Northwest Herald photographers from 2021.

Fisher Outreach Group rolled out a new adopt-a-grandparent program where the nonprofit "adopted" all of the residents of Fair Oaks in Crystal Lake, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Gable Point Senior Housing, and Crystal Pines in Crystal Lake as well as seniors through Senior Services Associates and senior veterans throughout McHenry County. They got wish list -- many containing real needs like walkers -- which donors purchased.

Crystal Lake South faced Johnsburg during their boys basketball game in the Hinkle Holiday Classic at Jacobs High School in Algonquin on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021.

Prairie Ridge and Round Lake met up in the final of the Northern Illinois Girls Holiday Tournament, co-hosted by McHenry and Richmond-Burton High Schools, held Friday, Dec. 21, 2021 at McHenry High School Upper Campus.

Marengo hosted Grayslake North during their EC Nichols Holiday Tournament boys basketball game at Marengo Community Unit High School on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. Marengo won 64-62.

Police investigated two deaths on the 400 block of La Fox River Dr. on Wed. Dec. 1, 2021, in Algonquin.

Foul play is suspected in the deaths of an Algonquin man and woman whose bodies were found about noon Wednesday, Algonquin police said. The Algonquin Police Department on Tuesday afternoon responded to the 400 block of La Fox River Drive for a well-being check on two Algonquin residents, according to a news release. Police started an investigation after they were unable to contact the residents on Tuesday. The bodies of a man and woman matching their description were found about noon Wednesday, according to the release. The cause of death has not be determined, however the Algonquin Police Department said the “circumstances surrounding the deaths suggest that foul play is suspected.”

Huntley and Wauconda faced off in the Johnsburg/Richmond-Burton Thanksgiving Tournament final, held at Johnsburg High School on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.

The annual Festival of Lights parade kicked off at 7 p.m. in Crystal Lake on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. The parade featured many decorated floats, carolers, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The parade route traveled through downtown Crystal Lake, ending at Williams Street and Crystal Lake Avenue, where Santa lighted the Christmas tree. Santa will now be available for free visits at his Santa House through Dec. 23. The Santa House will be open for visits 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays as well as 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20 to 23. Trophies were announced after the parade for best use of lights, best use of music, most creative, most enthusiastic, judge’s choice and best of 2021 theme, which this year is “A Toyland Christmas.”

Hundreds came out for the 39th annual Turkey Testicle Festival at Parkside Pub on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in Huntley. The event featured a lineup of bands, including Voyage, 7th Heaven, Modern Day Romeos and Libido Funk Circus. The main draw of the evening were the deep fried turkey testicles, a popular appetizer to accompany any of the beers available during the event.

Richmond-Burton hosted Joliet Catholic for their IHSA Class 4A semifinal football game on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at Richmond-Burton High School in Richmond. Joliet Catholic won 35-18 and delivered Richmond-Burton their first loss in three seasons.

The annual Community Harvest food drive for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry is collecting food and donations before the holidays at about 40 locations in Crystal Lake. Many food items are still in need, and financial donations can also be made to help stock the pantry. Tina Bree and Joe Cicero of Star 105.5 hosted their morning show Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in the lobby of Northwestern Medicine Health and Fitness Center in Crystal Lake to help draw in donations.

Cary-Grove faced Crystal Lake Central during their playoff football game at Cary-Grove High School on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Cary. Cary-Grove beat Crystal Lake Central 42-21 and will advance to meet Lake Forest next week.