Head to the woods for spooky - and silly - stories
Things are getting spooky in the woods.
On Friday night, Oct. 30, as the shroud of darkness falls over the forest, a flickering campfire will signal the annual Scary Stories in the Woods program at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Professional storytellers from the St. Charles Public Library will begin their spine-chilling performance at 8 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center's outdoor campfire ring. The program is free and open to daring souls from age eight to 88.
"Tales told around a fire is a tradition that goes back centuries," explained storyteller and librarian A. Denise Farrugia.
Not just in our culture, but in cultures throughout the world, people have gathered by firelight at night to pass the time. Firelight tales are, in effect, an early form of social media. Traditions are passed on from generation to generation, and the sense of community is strengthened by these gatherings.
Firelight stories recount myths, legends, battles and romance. Some are tall tales, or fanciful stories of faraway places. Some stories are funny yarns, while some venture into the mysterious unknown. Whatever the nature of the stories, storytelling around a campfire inspires the imagination.
Our stories will feature the spookier side of the spectrum.
"The tales will begin gently," said Farrugia, "and will escalate in creepiness with each tale that is told."
Farrugia will be joined by two other spellbinding storytellers, Donna Dettman and Linda Gorham. Dettman's hallmark ability is to draw an audience into the characters of her stories, which is especially enthralling in the glow of a campfire. Gorham's tales, as Farrugia described them, "have a depth of scary that is uniquely hers." Together, these three storytellers will have you on the edge of your seat - or log, as the case may be.
Be sure to bundle up for this outdoor program. Register by calling (630) 444-3190, or email programs@kaneforest.com.
Tales for tots
For the younger folks, there will be a spooky-lite version of fun on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Creek Bend Nature Center.
"Trunk or Treat" is geared for all the little goblins and princesses, batmen, zombies, and other costumed kids. The program will be indoors, under the tree trunks of the nature center's woodland exhibit.
Naturalist Valerie Blaine will read some not-too-scary stories - and there may be a surprise visit from some real live creepy creatures.
There will be activities to do in the nature center, a Halloween craft to take home - and of course, there will be treats. Kids and parents are welcome to stop by any time between 1 and 4 p.m. for this free event.
Don't miss the chance to be spooked in the woods this weekend.
Creek Bend Nature Center is at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles, within the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. Visit www.kaneforest.com for information.
• Valerie Blaine is the nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Email her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com