Bensenville celebrates Heritage Day at Fischer Farm
Fans of pumpkin painting, hayrides and artisan crafts such as candle-making, weaving, rug-braiding and wool-dyeing will find just what they're looking for Saturday when the 18th annual Heritage Day festival at Fischer Farm celebrates Bensenville's early history.
"This time around, we're going to focus on the early 20th century and the United States' involvement in the First World War," said Jonathan Sebastian, curator at the Bensenville Park District museum.
World War I re-enactors will dramatize scenes from the worldwide conflict, he said. The day also will include displays and demonstrations, including hourly cannon firings by Taylor's Battery, a Civil War re-enactment group.
The event will offer children's activities, including face painting and a Yesteryear Sweets shop where bottled sarsaparilla and penny candy will be available for purchase.
"We're going to have pony rides, a petting zoo and a pumpkin patch," Sebastian said.
He said children also will have the opportunity to paint pumpkins and make corn husk dolls.
Adults may shop for arts and crafts from eight or nine vendors. Items expected to be for sale include birdhouses and animal figurines.
Food vendors will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, soft drinks and chips, Sebastian said.
Chicago-area bluegrass band Bourbon Aristocracy will perform throughout the day.
Heritage Day visitors also will have the chance to explore the farm, including nine historic structures.
Sebastian said the Fischer family immigrated to the area from Germany, making a land claim on the property in 1834. The log house built at that time will be open to visitors.
Also open will be two barns, a 1915 granary and a chicken coop. Chickens and sheep reside on the land.
The celebration will be staffed by park district volunteers and volunteers from the newly established Fischer Farm Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the farm and continuing its tradition of presenting events such as Heritage Day, Sebastian said. The well-attended event has been seeing a surge in popularity.
"We've made it up to 1,000 people the last two years now," he said.
Admission is $2 for adults. For children 12 and younger, the charge is $6 for wristbands that cover pony rides, access to the petting zoo and a pumpkin, while supplies last. The farm is at 16W680 Grand Ave., Bensenville.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Sunday.
If you go
What: Heritage Day
Where: Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., Bensenville
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Admission: $2 for adults, $6 for children 12 and younger, free for seniors 55 and older
Info: (630) 766-7015 or bensenvilleparkdistrict.org