The weekend doesn’t always have to start with a bang; sometimes it can start with the warm flicker of a campfire and the fun of roasting a hot dog in its flames.
Dozens of Winnetka area moms, dads and kids headed to Crow Island Woods Park on Willow Road on Friday to enjoy the annual “Family Campfire” night put on by the Winnetka Park District, said Toby Ross, a recreation supervisor at the district.
Friday activities were focused on the campfire itself, which was a welcome way to avoid the autumn chill, Ross said.
Between 50 and 100 parents and children attend each year, he said. This year’s weather forecast kept the numbers on the lower end, he said, but didn’t extinguish interest.
“We had a good fire going. Everybody around the fire was really having a good time. It was a chance to let the kids do something they normally wouldn’t be able to do,” he said.
Not only were youngsters able to indulge in classic campfire fare like hot dogs and s’mores, they were able to explore the park area with the help of flashlights, Ross said.
Children and adults could mix their fun with a history lesson, by taking the Winnetka Historical Society’s guided tour of the park’s historic log cabin, according to park district information about campfire night events.
Ross said the campfire night has been popular since the district began the event in 2012.
“It’s something that we try to make not too crazy – it’s something simple, easy and fun. We let people relax with their family, listen to live music, and in general have some time outdoors that’s not too high energy,” he said.
At least one young visitor had to be reminded that the best way to cook a hot dog is with the help of a skewer, rather than simply extending the hot dog in one unprotected hand, Ross said: “Once I told him that, he did better.”
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy