Campton Prairie Fest returns Sept. 11

Campton Township's 4th Annual Prairie Fest celebrating natural open space returns this month with hayrides, exhibits and old-fashioned games.

The free event is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Corron Farm, 7N761 Corron Road. This year's festival is themed around the Chicago Wilderness initiative, "No Child Left Inside."

"One of the big things we're looking to do is connect people with Earth," Laurel Garza, a volunteer coordinator, said. "We need to get the next generation interested in preserving land and maintaining resources."

Highlights include a nature scavenger hunt and toys and games from the 1800s, along with educational exhibits featuring a local beekeeper, a Native American re-enactor and a wood carver.

Visitors also can tour the historic 1850s farmstead, shell corn with a hand-crank machine and check out antique tractors and vehicles.

Garza said rides in a hay wagon built by an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 14 will be available following a 1 p.m. dedication ceremony.

Live entertainment will include the folk/Celtic duo February Sky, accordionist Ed Wesemann, and Sound Design, a barbershop quartet. There also will be free refreshments.

For more information, call (630) 513-6038 or visit camptontownship.com.