Volo Bog readies for snowless WinterFest

A lack of measurable snow won't keep Stacy Iwanicki from enjoying Volo Bog's annual WinterFest on Sunday.

Sure, it means a planned snow-sculpting contest will have to be canceled. But Iwanicki — a natural resources coordinator at the state natural area near Ingleside — said it's not the first time the festival will be held in dry conditions.

She insisted there'll be plenty to do without the snow, indoors and outdoors.

“We fired winter long ago,” Iwanicki said. “If winter's not here, we celebrate anyway.”

Volo Bog's WinterFest isn't the only event in Lake County for which organizers had hoped for snow this weekend.

A Special Olympics snowshoeing contest for athletes from Lake and McHenry counties is planned for Saturday at Lambs Farm in Green Oaks. It still will be held, with the participants racing on grass instead of snow.

“It's not uncommon to hold this event without snow,” Lambs Farm spokeswoman Jackie Rachev said. “I've been here three years, and we've only had snow last year.”

Volo Bog's WinterFest is scheduled to run from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, at the bog's visitor center, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road. Sponsored by the Friends of Volo Bog organization, this year's event will celebrate Native American culture and feature a storyteller and live flute music.

Although snow was on the ground for the last two WinterFests, it's been absent occasionally in years past, Iwanicki said. That's why indoor and outdoor events are planned.

Inside the visitors center, Mike Reichart will perform Native American flute music, and Dennis Swiftdeer-Page will tell stories. Crafts sessions are planned, too.

Outside, five tours of the bog are scheduled, and hiking will be encouraged.

“There are things you can see at Volo Bog in the wintertime that you can't see any other time of the year,” Iwanicki said.

In prior winters, rarely seen migrating birds and long-eared owls have been spotted at the bog.

“Bird-wise, it can be very interesting in the wintertime,” Iwanicki said.

In addition to the activities, cookies, hot cocoa, cider and other snacks will be for sale.

Recommended admission fees are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Advanced registration is not required.

For more information, call (815) 344-1294, send an e-mail to dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or visit friendsofvolobog.org.

The Special Olympics event at Lambs Farm will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at that facility, 14245 W. Rockland Road.

It's free and open to the public. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

For more information, call Lambs Farm at (847) 362-4636 or visit lambsfarm.org or soill.org.