Sled dogs, birds of prey and ponies draw interest at Winterfest in Palatine
Posted January 17, 2026 5:05 pm
Animals, including birds of prey, sled dogs and ponies, were the main draw during the annual Salt Creek Park District Winterfest at Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Palatine Saturday.
After getting an up-close look at the screech owl behind her, Grace Sullivan, 2, of Palatine, checks out other birds of prey during the Salt Creek Park District Winterfest at Twin Lakes Recreation Area on Saturday in Palatine.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Representatives from Stillman Nature Center gave kids and their parents a chance to see a trio of owls and a hawk up close indoors. Outside, visitors could pet the Free Spirit Sled Demo Team's huskies and Samoyeds. Pony rides were also part of the event.
A barred owl held by Pat Irvin of Barrington’s Stillman Nature Center flaps its wings during the Salt Creek Park District Winterfest at Twin Lakes Recreation Area on Saturday in Palatine.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Cindy Fracass, Twin Lakes facility manager, said when the weather cooperates ice skating is a popular feature of the event, but even though temperatures were in the mid-teens Saturday, the lake wasn’t suitable for skating.
The event also included vendors, concessions, outdoor fire pits and free s’mores.