Bensenville Heritage Day mixes fall fun, history

For kids, Heritage Day in Bensenville is a fall festival filled with pony rides, pumpkins and a petting zoo.

And yes, said Jonathan Sebastian, those things are key elements of fun at the annual event happening Saturday at Fischer Farm.

But Sebastian, who curates the farm, said history also makes Heritage Day an important Bensenville tradition.

“I’ve been trying to incorporate more historical elements in the last few years because this particular site is very significant historically and architecturally,” Sebastian said of the farm, which contains nine historical structures on five acres. “It’s a direct link to one of the first families to settle in DuPage County.”

Sebastian and other volunteers will be on hand Saturday, dressed in clothing from the mid-19th century and giving tours of sites like the log house and the main farmhouse that was owned by the Fischer family until 1999. Sebastian said the Fischers settled in DuPage in 1836 and were among the first families to call the county home.

In addition to the children’s events like rides and face painting, as well as live music for everyone by the White Saddle Band, Heritage Day also will include historical attractions like pinwheel demonstrations.

Sebastian said he hopes crowds will not only enjoy the fall festivities, but also gain a new appreciation for the treasures in their backyard.

“Buildings like the farmhouse and log house exhibit the craftsmanship and workmanship of the respective periods in which they were built, which are absolutely beautiful,” he said.

If you go

What: Heritage Days fall festival

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: Fischer Farm, Church Road and Grand Avenue, Bensenville

Cost: $5 wristband for pumpkin and rides

Info: (630) 766-7015 or bensenvilleparkdistrict.org