Schaumburg saying goodbye to summer with two events

For months, Northwest suburban residents have been enjoying outdoor events - including concerts, carnivals, parades and baseball games - without a second thought about the weather or much discomfort.

The Schaumburg Park District has two more over the coming weekends to help say goodbye to this precious and all-too-short time of year for Midwesterners.

The first is a concert of orchestral music from 6 to 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Merkle Cabin at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road.

Attendees are welcome to arrive and bring lawn chairs and blankets as early as 5 p.m. A wagon shuttle will take guests from the nature center's parking lot to the cabin itself.

Picnic fare and beverages will be available for purchase, but guests are invited to bring their own food as well. There are picnic tables at the cabin.

For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.

The second event is the Harvest Bonfire from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove in Schaumburg.

Participants will enjoy an evening wagon ride through Spring Valley Nature Center, roast hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire and take a lantern-lit tour of the farm. The cost is $7 per person, though children ages 3 and younger are free.

Parking will be available at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road. For more information, call (847) 985-2102 or visit the park district's website.