Schaumburg Solstice wine/beer festival to raise funds for children's recreation

The Schaumburg Park Foundation's annual Solstice Hop & Vine Fest has become a traditional way for adults in the community to welcome the arrival of summer.

But it's also a fundraiser to ensure the coming season of outdoor activity is everything it should be for the community's children.

With every ticket sold, the fest raises money for such the foundation's recreation scholarships and support of such Schaumburg Park District improvements as the new Bison's Bluff Nature Playground at Spring Valley Nature Center.

The fest itself - an evening to enjoy a selection of wines and beers while celebrating the summer solstice - runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg.

The $30 tickets may be purchased at parkfun.com/solstice2017. For additional information, call (847) 985-2115.

The foundation's recreation scholarship program began about a decade ago to help low-income families within the Schaumburg Park District enjoy its many programs and activities. Since then, about 400 families have received assistance through the scholarships, allowing them to get fitness and pool passes and join a variety of recreational programs.

Proceeds from the fest also help support such Schaumburg Park District community outreach efforts as the LATER program - a free evening camp that offers group games, sports and crafts for kids ages 6 to 17.