Schaumburg aviation celebration benefits kids

Septemberfest 2008 is promising a fun-filled three-day Labor Day weekend, but Schaumburg area residents will still have more to look forward to even after the last firework has exploded Monday night.

Benefiting the Woodfield Area Children's Organization, "Mayor Al Larson's Aviation Celebration" will take place at the Schaumburg Regional Airport from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 7.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event is promising its biggest and best yet.

There will be fun, food and excitement for the whole family - from the aircraft display to the helicopter and airplane rides, as well as an arts and crafts fair, games and a moonwalk for the kids. A car show will also be part of the festivities on Sunday.

All proceeds benefit the not-for-profit organization established in 1993 to help low-income kids and their families in the region.

The airport is located at 905 W. Irving Park Road in Schaumburg. Admission to the two-day event is $7 for advance purchase and $8 at the gate for both children and adults. Children 5 years old and under are admitted free.

For more information or to buy tickets in advance, call Pilot Pete's restaurant at the airport at (847) 891-5100. To purchase online, visit www.pilotpetes.com and go to Events.

Autumn at Spring Valley: The Schaumburg Park District will be offering several opportunities this fall for youngsters and families to participate in a local history lesson through hands-on activities at the Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm.

"Farm Chores After School," a five-week class held every Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. starting Sept. 9 will offer kids ages 5 to 8 a chance to learn about cows, horses, pigs and poultry while feeding and caring for them at the Heritage Farm. The program costs $30 for residents and $45 for nonresidents, with preregistration required by Sept. 6.

"Cooking at the Cabin," held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 12, will offer kids ages 7 to 12 the chance to experience the challenge of pioneer cooking over an open hearth. Participants will prepare a couple of traditional foods and taste the results of their efforts. This program costs $8 for residents and $12 for nonresidents, with preregistration required by Sept. 10.

"Wake Up and Work on the Farm," held from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 13, will provide families with a total immersion into the lives of 19th-century Schaumburg farm families.

Participants will help with morning feeding and milking chores in the barn, gathering eggs in the henhouse and preparing a hearty farm breakfast over the wood stove. The program culminates with all participants sitting down to breakfast, followed by a wagon ride.

The program fee is $17 for residents and $21 for nonresidents. Parents must accompany children and preregistration is required by Sept. 10.

For more information on these programs, call (847) 985-2100.