Eldridge Adventure Day in Elmhurst to celebrate wonders of nature

The fish will be jumping and the bugs will be buzzing Sunday when Elmhurst Park District presents its Eldridge Adventure Day in Eldridge Park.

"This one is kind of our nature-based event," said Kari Felkamp, the park district's marketing and communications director.

The free event started as a simple fishing derby, but expanded about four years ago to celebrate more aspects of nature.

The party now includes fishing, bug-hunting, carnival games and a petting zoo.

Dubbed "cops and bobbers," Felkamp said the fishing derby will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the help of the Elmhurst Police Department. Officers will help measure fish before the creatures are released back into the lagoon and also will supply worms for bait.

Participants will need to bring their own fishing poles.

The lagoon will be stocked with 430 fish, including largemouth bass and bluegills.

Folks of all ages can cast their lines, but only kids 14 and younger are eligible for prizes.

David Price, the park district's lead horticulturist, will lead bug hunts for kids 5 and younger who are accompanied by adults. The hunts are scheduled for 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. and noon. Registration will be available on site.

"The bug hunt is to give the kids a new experience running around with a bug net and trying to catch an insect. If we are successful, then we'll stop to investigate the body parts, wings, legs and antennae. All critters will be released," Price said.

"Insect growth and activity are related to weather conditions, so with the cooler and wet spring, we may not find anything, or it may be on the smaller side."

Felkamp said the day's attractions will include a face painter, a balloon twister and food trucks serving up shaved ice, cupcakes and lunch items.

She said the outdoor event is subject to the whims of the weather and will go on unless severe conditions materialize.