History on full display at Wood Dale Harvest Fest

Dominic Rebollar loves the moments when he can teach a little bit about his own history to curious onlookers.

Decked in a Scottish kilt and with a selection of artifacts at his feet, the New Lenox teen explained to a group of kids Sunday the role Scots playing in early trade on the North American continent.

"I enjoy teaching people how we used to live," Rebollar said during a break at Wood Dale's annual Harvest Festival.

Indeed, little history lessons could be found all about Yesterday's Farm Museum. A group of Civil War re-enactors spent the morning firing cannon blasts - without any rounds, of course - aimed at a retail distribution center across the street.

Marie Bogner, a sheep producer from central Illinois, drove with friends to Sunday's event to help showcase how lamb's wool is turned into yarn.

As eight-year-old Jordan Elk sucked on a lollipop, Bogner picked up a patch of wool and began fashioning it into a long strand that the two wrapped around a t-shaped stick.

"I'd say we've got at least a yard out of that clump, don't you think?" Bogner asked Jordan, who nodded in approval.

Nearby, five-year-old Brianna Ketter was adding colorful patches of wool to a wet ball that will be turned into an ornament.

"Most of these kids have no idea where stuff like yarn comes from," said Char Rickey, another volunteer. "They think it all just comes from the store."