A bonfire welcomed guests Sunday to Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Glen, where they roasted marshmallows for s’mores, or just warmed up for a few minutes at Winter Wonderland in the Woods, a first-time event organized by the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
“I hope that people who attend the program will come back to this preserve again and explore it more,” said Jen Guest, a recreation coordinator for the district. “Messenger Woods is a beautiful spot with an open area for an event, while also surrounded by a beautiful wooded area.”
It was a cold weekend and the start of the Bears-Packers game fell in the middle of the program. But Tom Kens, of Frankfort, said despite his son TJ wearing his allegiance to Chicago in the form of a Bears winter cap, the family was content to watch the highlights later that day.
“I think I’d rather be out here,” Kens said. “That way we can get outside and get our 1,000 hours and still watch the game.”
His wife Amy explained they love spending time outside and recently met their 1,000 outdoor hours challenge as a family. Events like Winter Wonderland in the Woods helped them get there.
“We love the Will County Forest Preserve events,” Amy said. “We’ve done other ones, and they’re always very well run and organized.”
Their daughter Evelyn, 6, enjoyed the appearance of the Abominable Snowman, or as she called it, yeti. Tom appreciated that this event had a variety of age-appropriate games for TJ, 4, and Evelyn, 6.
“Big Jenga was a hit,” he said.
Jenga and Connect 4 were among the oversized yard games spread out near the Hawthorn Grove Shelter at Messenger Woods during the free event. Attendees also could try tossing a pine cone through a wreath. And a craft area and white board were set up under the pavilion. Doughnuts and hot chocolate could be found near the fire.
The Abominable Snowman danced in the flurry of a bubble machine and posed for photos with attendees against a special backdrop created for the event. Visitors were encouraged to come in their “gaudiest, funkiest or most-creative ugly sweater.”
Guest hoped Sunday was the beginning of a new holiday tradition for the district. It was all about getting people outside to have a good time during the winter, she said.
“It’s good to get outside year-round,” she said. “Sometimes people need a little incentive to get them motivated in the colder months. I like that we can offer free events for the community while getting people out to see our preserves.”
Matthew Wikel, of Mokena, brought his daughter Hannah, 7, out to Winter Wonderland in the Woods after his wife found out about it online. He said they enjoyed snowflake coloring and the oversized games. They also planned to get some s’mores and hot chocolate before they were done.
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“So far, so good,” Wikel said of the new event.
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.