Lack of snow doesn't limit fun at Volo Bog Winterfest

No snow was no problem Sunday for the annual Winterfest at Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside.

Cross-country skiers, snow sculptors and snowshoers might have been disappointed, but there was plenty to do inside and out.

"We fired winter long ago," joked Stacy Iwanicki, who coordinates educational programs for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Winterfest has been held for decades so organizers have learned to be prepared.

"You can't plan a Winterfest completely around winter, particularly in northeastern Illinois," Iwanicki added.

Visitors enjoyed hikes and bog tours, while nature crafts was a popular attraction in the lodge. Awards for the photo contest also were announced.

Singer/songwriter Will Kruger entertained visitors with tribute songs of the 1960s and '70s from the likes of James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot and John Denver. The event was sponsored by Friends of Volo Bog and the IDNR.