Autumn Harvest offers free fall fun

Scarecrows, and ponies, and hay rides, oh my.

Those are just a few of the family activities that drive the success of Autumn Harvest in Arlington Heights each year.

This year's event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street. With the park's seasonal mum display, its brick lined walkways, amphitheater and fountain, it offers a scenic backdrop for the annual fall event.

Members of the Arlington Heights Special Events Commission organize Autumn Harvest, and they stress that all of the activities are free.

"It's a big hit with families," says Tom Kivlahan, special events commission chairman. "Kids enjoy the variety of activities, and the ability to roam, or make that run, around the park."

This year, they will find plenty of things to do. One of last year's most popular events, the Harvest Hunt, returns in an expanded version. Children will find even more items in this scavenger hunt, including a prize for everyone who completes it.

Scarecrow building is a favorite activity for families, Scout groups and neighborhood pals. Only 48 spots are open, and Kivlahan says they typically fill up within 90 minutes.

Builders can bring their own materials, or select from the old clothes and accessories provided. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, scariest, and most original scarecrows.

When not building scarecrows or scavenging the park, families can check out the pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, craft tent and balloon artists, along with displays by the Arlington Heights police and fire departments.

Live entertainment in the amphitheater offers another destination within the park. Families can watch the Mad Science new presentation on fire and ice, before hearing the country and bluegrass music for children, performed by the band Little Nashville.

Organizers time the event between the village's farmers market, which takes place all morning along Eastman Street just south of the park, and the Harvest Heat Chili Cook-Off, which heats up as the festival is ending, from 3 to 6 p.m. at North School Park.

After taking one year off, the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce returns with its popular chili cook-off, this time offering free samples of chili from five restaurants and 16 individuals, all vying for prizes.

Participating Arlington Heights restaurants include the following: Birch River Grill, Boston Blackie's, Fuego Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar, Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub, and Harry's of Arlington. A panel of professional cooks will judge the individuals' entries, determining the "Best Chili in Arlington Heights," and awarding them $250 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third place, while patrons will vote among the restaurant entries to name the "People's Choice Best Chili."

If you go

What: Autumn Harvest and Harvest Heat Chili Cook-Off

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for Autumn Harvest, and 3-6 p.m. for Chili Cook-Off, both on Saturday

Where: North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street, Arlington Heights

Cost: Free admission, with separate charge for food

Info: www.vah.com for Autumn Harvest and www.arlingtonhtschamber.com for Chili Cook-Off