Join Volo Bog for 25th WinterFest
Volo Bog State Natural Area's 25th Annual WinterFest will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. There may not be much snow on the ground, but the event offers a blend of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
Indoor activities include performances by four talented musicians. Mark Cleveland and Jordi Kleiner will be joined by Chris Strong and Wendy Proulx Bruce for an afternoon of live music, including singalongs, Native American flute music, and more.
Mark Cleveland is a contemporary singer-songwriter who evolved into a recognized world music performer over the past two decades. Jordi Kleiner is one of Chicagoland's most sought after fiddle players. Learn more about them at markclevelandmusic.com/about.
Chris Strong is a longtime local favorite who performed as part of the duo The Hartland Express for more than four decades. Playing guitar, banjo, ukulele, kazoo and more, he now joins other musicians when he can, and will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
Wendy Proulx Bruce is a board-certified music therapist and a multitalented singer/songwriter who plays piano, guitar, ukulele and flute.
Awards for Volo Bog State Natural Area's photo contest will be presented between music sets, with the Best of Show People's Choice and Best of Show Judges awards planned for 3:45 p.m.
Winter-themed Kids Crafts will be available thanks to Volo Bog's Youth Art Guild. Refreshments will be available for sale and the Friends of Volo Bog will be selling hot cocoa, sodas and cookies for sale.
Planned outdoor activities include tours of Volo Bog and snow-sculpting contest, weather permitting.
Tours start at 11 a.m. and 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2, 2:15, 2:30 and 3 p.m. The contest will include prizes in four categories: Youth, Teen, Family/Group and Adult.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (BYO equipment) and hiking can be enjoyed on five miles of trails over rolling hills through woodland and prairie, weather permitting.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to support WinterFest and other programs at Volo Bog State Natural Area.
Volo Bog State Natural Area is an Illinois Department of Natural Resources site at 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Contact the site at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or (815) 344-1294.