Celebrate DuPage's equestrian/agricultural history at 'Family Field Day'

Families are invited to celebrate DuPage County's agricultural and equestrian heritage at "Family Field Day at St. James Farm" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at St. James Farm Forest Preserve on Winfield Road, one-quarter mile north of Butterfield Road, Warrenville.

During the event, demonstrations by numerous horses and riders will echo the thrill of world-class competitions the site once hosted. Hay-wagon rides and live bluegrass music will be ongoing as will activities for children 12 and younger, including archery, fishing and pony rides.

Dogs and their handlers will present agility, field and search-and-rescue demonstrations. A display of vintage tractors will commemorate the property's ties to agricultural history. A collection of the district's alternative-fuel vehicles will showcase eco-friendly technology.

Visitors will be invited to explore a colonial-style stable and one modeled after Roman round barns, or can stop by the 1920s dairy barn that housed a state-of-the-art operation and a Guernsey herd that set the benchmark for the Midwest. They'll also be able to try a hand at making butter the old-fashioned way and check out Maggie the milking cow.

Admission and parking are free. Children's activities and wagon rides require a $10-per-family pass. For more information, contact www.dupageforest.org/familyfieldday or (630) 933-7248.