Celebration of fall at the Autumn Harvest Festival

Residents of Schaumburg and surrounding communities gathered to celebrate the start of fall at the Autumn Harvest Festival on Sunday afternoon. The event brought out about two thousand people to the Schaumburg Park District's Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin at Spring Valley Nature Center.

Families dressed warm for the cool fall afternoon of pioneer-era activities that recreated life on a 1880s farm. Children assisted the authentically dressed interpreters at Spring Valley with farm chores including cider pressing, winter wheat planting and grain threshing. Interpreters educated their young assistants on the history of the chores and what life was like on a farm.

“It's good for my 10-month-old daughter to see,” said the mother of Karolinka Sen. “She might be too young, but it's great to start off children early being active and enjoying nature.”

Hayrides, wreath decorating, dancing, games and many other activities were also available for visitors to the fest.

“The pumpkin decorating is my favorite,” said Katherine Moran, age 9.

Pumpkin decorating was the craft of choice amongst most of the young visitors. Children were able to choose a pumpkin from the patch and decorate it with their parents. Halloween-themed pumpkins adorned in hats, ribbon and bright paint lined the tables under the arts and crafts tent.

“It's so nice that the Autumn Harvest takes place for such little money and it goes to a good cause,” said Lisa Weed of Schaumburg.

As live string music played on two stages, adults and children enjoyed grilled food, fresh taffy apples, corn and festive beverages. Schaumburg Park District executive director Jean Schlinkmann and Schaumburg Park Foundation president Dave Johnson warmly greeted guests to the food pavilion.

Schaumburg's newest food retailer, Whole Foods, was also present at the food pavilion sampling organic apple juice and all natural cocoa kettlecorn popcorn.

Autumn Harvest Festival celebrated its 27th year on Sunday.