Thousands journeyed back to early Schaumburg at harvest festival
The 30th annual Autumn Harvest Festival on Oct. 6 was most successful with more than 3,000 visitors to Spring Valley’s Volkening Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin.
The 1880s living history farm and 1790s frontier encampment welcomed visitors of all ages eager to learn about early life in Schaumburg.
“The event wouldn’t have been a success without support of staff, volunteers and event sponsor Whole Foods Market,” said Dave Brooks, Schaumburg Park District’s manager of conservation services. “The beautiful fall weather and thousands of smiling faces exploring local history were great ways to mark the 30th anniversary.”
Visitors helped with traditional farm activities including cider pressing, making wine, milking cows and harvesting crops near Heritage Farm. Children took part in the popular Junior Farm Olympics which included finding beans hidden in hay, pushing wheel barrels and harvesting equipment, and carrying milk buckets.
The area around Merkle Cabin was abuzz with frontier-era activities including cooking over an open fire, visits inside a Native American wigwam, stories from interpreters and the new Junior Frontier Olympics.
“My 3½-year-old daughter loves going through the activities, meeting new friends and going on the hayride,” said Paul Tuscher, who helped daughter Margaret Josephine “Jelly” through the Junior Frontier Olympics.
The Olympics let children build mini log cabins, throw corn husks through hoops, try carrying water buckets, test their balance walking on a log and play a ring toss game.
The community also chipped in with activities and refreshments.
Members of the Schaumburg Community Garden Club and Spring Valley Nature Club helped children decorate pumpkins for Halloween and make grapevine wreathes.
Adults and children enjoyed festive fall treats from Whole Foods Market, beer from RAM Restaurant and Brewery, fresh cider, doughnuts, root beer and corn on the cob while listening to live old-time music on two stages.
“There were fun educational activities and plenty of food for everyone at the Fest,” said Brooks.
From Hog House to Smokehouse, Spring Valley’s next event, is set for noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, at Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road.
For information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit www.parkfun.com.