A fall tradition with a twist: Marengo’s historic Pringle School hosts its first Fall Festival

The McHenry County Historical Society and Museum is hosting a new Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at the historic Pringle School, 21596 River Road in Marengo. Admission is free.

This year, the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum is trading Cider Fest for something new but just as sweet — the first Fall Festival at Pringle School!

Some familiar favorites will return, such as the apple bake-off, barn raising, and bake sale. However, they are also introducing new attractions, including a petting zoo, model trains, pumpkin sales, and various vendors, not to mention the charming Pringle School House. The Big Sky Trio will perform from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Also, when you purchase a McHenry County Historical Society mug you can fill it with hot apple cider to your heart’s content with the fundraiser “Fill Your Mug, Fill Our Coffers!”

An additional raffle with be a “Barrow Full of Fun,” picture a wheelbarrow filled with Sew Hop’d Beer, various wines, and a few whiskey bottles.

Tickets are $5 each, three for $10, 10 for $20 and 50 for $25. And as always, the popular quilt raffle will be available to enter a chance to win, with a drawing in November.

To alleviate parking concerns, they will provide a free shuttle service to transport visitors to and from the event. Attendees may park at the Marengo Ridge Conservation District parking lot at picnic shelter two, 2411 N. Route 23 in Marengo, or at the Marengo Township parking lot at 4010 Route 23 in Marengo. The shuttle will pick up visitors every 15-20 minutes and take them to the school campus.

Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and settle in for a perfect fall day. For information, visit mchenrycountyhistory.org or facebook.com/McHenryCountyHistoricalSociety/.