Snow or no snow, the annual Winter Fest is happening Sunday at Volo Bog State Natural Area.
“It’s the perfect chance to get yourself and your children out of the house to enjoy winter both inside and out,” said Stacy Iwanicki, naturalist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Indoors WinterFest features live music, children’s crafts and an exhibit of more than 140 nature-related photographs – with awards given throughout the day to the best in various categories. Friday is the last day to view the photographs and vote, Iwanicki said.
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Children can cut out snowflakes and string popcorn to feed the birds, among other activities. They’ll be able to take home their creations.
Beginning at noon, folk music artist Kendra Swanson will sing and play the banjo and other instruments.
“She has an uplifting environmental message in her songs”, Iwanicki said. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., Miles over Mountains will perform acoustic bluegrass music.
“They’re an up-and-coming band from the McHenry area,” she said. “I’ve heard them perform at an outdoor venue and they’re great”.
Those who venture outdoors can tour the bog and participate in the snow-sculpting contest, if there’s any white stuff.
Free bog tours will be led at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and start under the oak tree in front of the visitor center.
“The peacefulness is one thing you can always count on when walking the bog, especially on Sunday when there’s no outdoor construction noise,” Iwanicki said. “If there’s snow on the ground, it looks like a winter wonderland. If there’s fog, it will be ethereal and mysterious-looking.”
Visitors might see robins and waxwings feasting on the fruit of winterberries during the tour.
“Sometimes we find owls,” she said, “and sometimes we find crossbills, unique birds that come down from the north in winter.
“We invite winter to the festival every year,” she said. “Sometimes winter comes, sometimes it doesn’t. But we always hold the festival.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
Winter Fest
When: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside
Tickets: Free; Donations accepted
Information: 815-344-1294; [email protected]