Sugar Bush Fair returns to Schaumburg March 12-13

A rousing breakfast and an opportunity to rediscover the great outdoors will combine next month when the Schaumburg Park District holds its 31st annual Sugar Bush Fair.

The maple sugar-focused event will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.

The event features an outdoor breakfast including pancakes with real maple syrup, sausage, juice and coffee.

There also will be demonstrations of syrup making and sap collecting methods used by Native Americans and early pioneers, an authentic Chicago-area Native American interpreter, a children's puppet show and hayrides.

"Sugar Bush Fair is one of Spring Valley's most popular and longest-running events," said Dave Brooks, the park district's manager of nature conservation. "It has become an annual tradition for many families, getting everyone bundled up for pancakes and real maple syrup at Spring Valley."

Advance tickets cost $4 for a half stack (2 pancakes) and $5 for a full stack (4), and are available at the nature center. Day-of prices are $5 for a half stack and $6 for a full stack. Admission to the event without breakfast is free.

Breakfast is served under a tent at the Merkle Cabin.

Parking is available at the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, with shuttle service provided to and from Spring Valley.

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