Horses steal the show at Warrenville farm homecoming
Children across DuPage County may now be asking Mom and Dad for a pony.
Horses were the highlight of the St. James Farm Homecoming in Warrenville Saturday. The event drew hundreds of families to the former estate of Brooks McCormick, an equestrian himself.
"I think it's wonderful the fact that they saved the land instead of building houses and that people have someplace they can come and ride horses. They're beautiful animals," said Margo Makstenieks of Woodridge as she watched the Mario Contreras Equestrian Fiesta Troupe.
The DuPage County Forest Preserve bought the 607-acre property off Winfield Road in 2000 from McCormick, an industrialist and philanthropist. It was occasionally open to the public in 2008 and now will be open daily June through November.
"We've ridden by this farm off and on for years on the Prairie Path," said Marshall Macaluso of Wheaton.
But he and his wife, Mary, like so many others, hadn't been inside until now. Calling it a "neat place," they said they would like to bring their granddaughter, who also loves horses.
Emma Wright and Clare Trainor, both 16, didn't just get to watch the horses, they also showed off their skills for the crowd as part of the Haflinger Owners of Wisconsin Vaulting Team.
The girls said their stunts take strength, stamina, balance and teamwork but that their four-legged teammates make it worthwhile. "The bond you get working with them" is the best part, Trainor said.
Horses weren't the only entertainment Saturday. The homecoming event also boasted live music, crafts, cow milking demonstrations, stable tours and kids games.
Eliana Panacchia, who turns 4 on Memorial Day, checked out some of the animals being shown off by a guide at the farm. The snapping turtle was a bit startling for the tyke, but she was intrigued by a skinny snake that was as long as she was tall.
"It tickles," she told her parents, Ciara and Kevin Panacchia.
The family visits the Morton Arboretum in Lisle and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago regularly to expose their daughter to new animals and like that the event at St. James Farm provided similar benefits.
"There's a lot of ... sensory things to touch and feel which will help kids overcome fears to animals," Ciara Panacchia said.
Not far away, Teddy Sassen, 5, of Lisle tried his hand at archery. After a quick lesson, he carefully loaded his arrow onto the bow and took a shot at the target in front of him. The first try fell just short into the grass, but Sassen was a quick learner, landing his second shot just inches from the bull's-eye.
"It's great," dad Roger Sassen said as the family started to make theirs way toward the fishing area. "The kids are having a blast."