A 1905 Singer sewing machine works just fine Sunday for Trudi Handzel of Palatine during the 24th annual Farm Heritage Festival at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
Ernest J. Schweit for the Daily Herald
There was a time when Lake County's focus was mostly rural, with dairy and other farms dotting the countryside.
While there are still operating farms, much of that open space now is made up of subdivisions and commercial centers.
However, Lake County still celebrates its rural roots occasionally, such as this weekend with the 24th annual Farm Heritage Festival.
The event at Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda featured hundreds of tractors, cars, engines and other farm machinery. Highlights include a tractor parade, sheep herding demonstrations, scarecrow making, live music, wagon and barrel train rides and a petting zoo.
Organizers say it's an opportunity for area residents to learn about the county's local farming heritage and life on the farm.
Marlene Kirby of Sylvan Lake does some quilting Sunday at the Farm Heritage Festival at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
Ernest J. Schweit for the Daily Herald
Gus Bussewitz, 1½, of from Hartland, Wisconsin, gets the feel of an old tractor Sunday during the 24th annual Farm Heritage Festival at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
Ernest J. Schweit for the Daily Herald
Old Glory adds a patriotic touch to a line of antique tractors Sunday at the Farm Heritage Farm Festival at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
Ernest J. Schweit for the Daily Herald
It's all good, signals John Bauer, at a timber cutting demonstration Sunday at the Farm Heritage Festival at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
Ernest J. Schweit for the Daily Herald