In the McHenry County region, football fans find themselves torn between the Bears and the Packers, with some establishments even designated as official Packers bars. Despite being located in Illinois, just a train ride from Soldier Field, the area boasts a significant number of Packers supporters.
As the playoff matchup looms on Saturday, local bars are preparing to host fans from both sides of this storied rivalry. Families with mixed loyalties are getting ready to engage in playful banter before, during, and after the game. At Huntley”s Pub 47, patrons could enjoy complimentary food if the Bears win and quarterback Caleb Williams throws for 300 yards or more, a promotion that has generated excitement among customers.
Julie Brannon, a server at the pub, noted the increased enthusiasm around Bears games this season, stating that this is the first time they have offered such a promotion. However, whether patrons benefit from it heavily depends on Williams, who has surpassed 300 yards passing only once this season.
The Packers have their share of loyal fans in the county as well. Jeff Young, a resident of Wonder Lake, mentioned that his family prefers to watch games at home, outfitted in their Packers apparel and equipped with multiple TVs to ensure they do not miss any action. Young, who is also a shareholder in the team, has attended games at Lambeau Field twice this season and believes in a competitive game on Saturday.
Tom Henely, owner of Horizontals bar in Wonder Lake and another Packers shareholder, echoed similar sentiments. His establishment is officially a Packers bar and has seen an increase in Bears fans this season due to the team”s stronger performance. Henely described the rivalry as lively, with friendly jabs exchanged between the two fan bases.
Close to the state line, Herner”s Hideaway in Genoa City, Wisconsin, attracts couples with divided loyalties, although it is recognized as a Packers bar. Owner Tammy Herner indicated that the crowd there is nearly evenly split between Bears and Packers supporters. The bar hosts raffles during both teams” games, making it an engaging environment.
One family exemplifying the divided loyalties includes Tim Santos, a Packers fan originally from Wisconsin, and his daughter, a Bears supporter, who was swayed by her grandfather. Santos recounted the playful bribes his father-in-law used to foster her fandom, while Steve Gee, her grandfather, acknowledged that he had encouraged her to support the Bears.
Throughout their nearly 50 years of marriage, Steve and Jody Gee have occasionally cheered for the opposing team, particularly during the Packers” dominance in the 1960s. They shared fond memories of that era and how their loyalties have evolved over time, with both expressing admiration for the Bears during their championship years in the 1980s.
Santos believes that while the Packers have historically held an advantage, the current season might present a different outcome. He expressed a desire for the Bears to win, particularly for his father-in-law, who is currently in remission from lung cancer, stating that witnessing a Bears victory would be a cherished moment for him.
