Spring Valley Sugar Bush Fair celebrates all things maple syrup

Celebrate nature's sweet gift of maple sugar with the Schaumburg Park District.

Schaumburg Park District's 31st annual Sugar Bush Fair, sponsored by Costco Wholesale, will fill bellies from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. The delicious outdoor breakfast will include pancakes with real maple syrup, sausage, juice and coffee.

The maple sugar-centric event features demonstrations of syrup making and sap collecting methods used by Native Americans and early pioneers, an authentic Chicago area Native American interpreter, 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 with real maple syrup at Spring Valley."

Advanced tickets cost $4 for a half stack (two) and $5 for a full stack (four) and are available at the Nature Center. Day-of prices are $5 for a half stack and $6 for a full stack. Breakfast is served outdoors under a tent at Merkle Cabin. Admission is free.

Parking is available at the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, with shuttle service provided to Spring Valley. There will be a family drop-off lane at the Nature Center.

Hayrides will provide transportation between the Nature Center and Merkle Cabin.

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

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