Schaumburg hosts country fair, 1880s-style

County fairs and community festivals are still very much a part of 21st century suburbia, but the Schaumburg Park District is offering residents the chance to sample the flavor of the tradition's 19th century forebear.

The Spring Valley Country Fair will run from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24, at Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road in Schaumburg.

Activities will include a bake sale, livestock and domestic arts displays, and demonstrations of 1880s farm equipment.

Visitors can join a variety of period games and activities, while a historic interpreter will portray a medicine man peddling his latest elixirs.

Admission is free to the two-day fair, which is sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club.

“Country Fairs were a fun experience in the 19th century,” said Farm Program Coordinator Patty Kennedy. “Visitors will see interpreters showing animals, baked goods and farm equipment in competition for blue ribbons — the quintessential prize for the best of the fair.”

For more information, call (847) 985-2102 or visit parkfun.com.