Prairie Fest returns to Corron Farm

Hayrides, antique tractors and historical re-enactments will be among highlights of the 2nd Annual Prairie Fest this month at Campton Township's Corron Farm.

The festival is set for 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, on the farm at Silver Glen and Corron roads, west of St. Charles. Admission and parking are free.

"We're trying to make it especially family friendly," volunteer coordinator Terry Shouba said. "We want to kind of entice children to experience open land and unstructured play. It's very low key and noncommercial."

Situated on 220 acres, Corron Farm is an 1880s farmstead the township bought in 2003 to preserve as open space. Visitors to Prairie Fest can take a hayride around the property or tour its original farm house.

There will be dozens of other activities spread out across the farm, including scavenger hunts, wool spinning and old-fashioned children's games.

One of the biggest attractions last year was an antique tractor exhibit, which returns this year with fully restored tractors from 1959 and 1965, Shouba said.

Another popular attraction is the "butterfly lady," who will discuss the life cycles of monarch butterflies and their travel between Mexico and Campton Township.

"By the time they come back to Corron Farm, it's five generations later, would you believe?" Shouba said.

Live vocal and folk music will be performed at 2:30 and 4 p.m., and there will be several old-time goodies, including cider and cake recipes from the 1820s and the mid-19th century, available all day. Visitors also can meet a Pottawatomie Indian re-enactor, or a learn about beekeeping from a local hobbyist.

For more information, or to volunteer at Corron Farm, call (630) 377-5705.

If you go:

What: 2nd Annual Prairie Fest featuring old-fashioned games, food and activities on a 220-acre farm.

When: 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18

Where: Corron Farm, 7N761 Corron Road, Campton Township

Cost: Free admission and parking

More information: (630) 377-5705