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Sheep have given way to disc-catching dogs at the 30th annual Bagpipes & Bonfire in Lake Forest.

The Sept. 24 event at Middlefork Nature Preserve is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Lake Forest Open Lands Association, said vice president Paula Clair.

“It’s replacing sheer herding,” Clair said. “Most of our members are dog owners. We think this will be something for all ages.”

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The event also featured games, bagpipers, food, beer and wine, an evening bonfire and, most notably, skydivers in kilts.

The Chicago Celtic Pipe Band, Chicago Highlanders Pipe Band, Chicago Scots Pipe Band, Greater Midwest Pipe Ban, and Midlothian Scottish Pipe Bands play as the fire ignites during the 30th Annual Bagpipes and Bonfire Lake Forest Open Lands Association Fundraiser on Sept. 24, 2017, at Middlefork Nature Preserve in Lake Forest.
The Chicago Celtic Pipe Band, Chicago Highlanders Pipe Band, Chicago Scots Pipe Band, Greater Midwest Pipe Ban, and Midlothian Scottish Pipe Bands play as the fire ignites during the 30th Annual Bagpipes and Bonfire Lake Forest Open Lands Association Fundraiser on Sept. 24, 2017, at Middlefork Nature Preserve in Lake Forest.

Lake Forest Open Lands started Bagpipes & Bonfire 30 years ago at the Skokie River Nature Preserve, according to previous Lake Forester articles. About a dozen years ago, it moved to Middlefork Preserve, and seven years ago, the skydivers were added.

Over the years, attendance has grown to an estimated 1,700, Clair said, and it has brought it more than $3 million total to Lake Forest Open Lands Association.

The Chicago Celtic Pipe Band, Chicago Highlanders Pipe Band, Chicago Scots Pipe Band, Greater Midwest Pipe Band and Midlothian Scottish Pipe Bands play during the 30th Annual Bagpipes and Bonfire Lake Forest Open Lands Association Fundraiser on Sept. 24, 2017, at Middlefork Nature Preserve in Lake Forest.
The Chicago Celtic Pipe Band, Chicago Highlanders Pipe Band, Chicago Scots Pipe Band, Greater Midwest Pipe Band and Midlothian Scottish Pipe Bands play during the 30th Annual Bagpipes and Bonfire Lake Forest Open Lands Association Fundraiser on Sept. 24, 2017, at Middlefork Nature Preserve in Lake Forest.

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