Go hog wild at Spring Valley's Heritage Farm Nov. 4

Go hog wild and help prepare Heritage Farm for winter!

The annual From Hog House to Smokehouse, sponsored by Whole Foods Market, will be held from noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 4 at Spring Valley's Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road. The event is an authentic portrayal of how 1880s farm families preserved meat raised on the farm for consumption throughout the winter months.

“The event portrays the processing of livestock from birth for the sole purpose of providing food and other useful items for the whole family,” said Dave Brooks, Schaumburg Park District's manager of conservation services. “Heritage Farm provides a portrayal that is historically authentic, respectful of animals and educational for modern visitors only familiar with the way we receive food on our tables today.”

Using traditional methods and recipes, authentically dressed interpreters will make sausage, show salt-cured meat and explain how every part of the pig was put to use. Food, beverages and children's activities will be available throughout the day.

Admission is $2 per person and $8 per family of six or fewer with additional members $2 each. Children ages 3 and younger are free. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Parking is available at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. A free wagon shuttle is available to Heritage Farm.

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