Snow way Volo Bog WinterFest would be called off

With occasional snow flurries and plenty of it on the ground, you'd think everything was perfect for Sunday's WinterFest at Volo Bog State Natural Area in northwest Lake County.

But judging by some of the telephone calls received by bog naturalist Stacy Iwanicki, not everyone was convinced conditions were ideal for a January festival at the bog one day after the Chicago area was hit by significant snow.

"I hesitate to even say this, but I think it's a symptom of our culture being so indoors-oriented that I got calls asking if we're still having WinterFest," Iwanicki said.

Tucked a couple of miles from the bustle of Route 12 near routes 120 and 134, about 300 visitors were expected to pass through the bog's 17th annual WinterFest.

Plenty of fun was available for those willing to hike through the snow. In particular, visitors were encouraged to keep an eye out for tracks from animals typically in the bog, such as minks, coyotes, deer, foxes, chipmunks and beavers.

Nancy Bodinet, a member of the Friends of the Volo Bog organization that sponsored the event, said winter is an excellent time to visit the tranquil natural land.

"When there is snow, it is so fascinating to see the tracks of the critters around here," said Bodinet, a Lake Zurich resident who was the bog's volunteer of the year in 2008.

Indoor activities included winter-themed crafts and the Heartland Express folk-music band providing entertainment.