Springtime on the Farm April 10

The Schaumburg Park District is offering area residents the chance to sample the activities of a busy spring day on a 19th century farm.

The annual Springtime on the Farm event serves as the season's “home opener” at the Volkening Heritage Farm, held this year from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 10.

“An abundance of activities are taking place such as plowing and planting crop fields, preparing the kitchen garden and cleaning the home,” said Dave Brooks, manager of nature conservation. “Visitors also can visit the hog house to see the piglets that were born in winter.”

Many of the hands-on activities revolve around the concept of spring cleaning, which was important in the 19th century.

Participants will be able to help do laundry, which was washed by hand and hung on a line to dry; beat the farmhouse rugs; and restuff bedding with fresh straw. They will also be allowed to help plant vegetables in the garden and sow oats in the field after the soil has been worked by horses.

A blacksmith will be working in his shop, butter will be churned in the springhouse and the cow will be milked near the end of the event.

Springtime on the Farm also includes craft activities, games, refreshments and hay rides. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Admission is $2 per person or $8 per family. Children 3 and under are free.

Parking will be available in the lot at 1111 E. Schaumburg Road.

For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.