The Grove Heritage Association gave visitors the chance to hug a tree, taste a hearty stew, and listen to folk music, all part of an autumn celebration in nature on Sunday.
The annual Grove Folk Fest has become a beloved tradition for over 48 years and according to Grove recreation supervisor, Diane Michalski, the event has been a way to say thank you to the Glenview community.
“The event is tied to The Grove’s history, when a group of 10 women banded together in the early 1970s to contest in court a contractor for the land known as The Grove,” Michalski said.
Forming the “Save The Grove Committee,” the women worked for a special referendum, and in 1974 Glenview residents voted with an 89% majority to save The Grove, Michalski says.
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This year, as in past years, Grove Folk Fest celebrates The Grove’s rich history, flora and fauna for the future.
Music performances throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., included performances by Andrew Calhoun, Christopher Walz, Barb Silverman and Fred Campeau, February Sky, Blind Hills, Grease Fire Rangers and others.
Square Dancing with Glenview Squares in the Program Barn from 12- 2 p.m., and ongoing throughout the day; animal encounters and exhibits, story time in the Log Cabin and Native American Indian Log House, demonstrations in blacksmithing and rug hooking, tours of the Kennicott Archives exhibit, handmade crafts and gifts, and food and hayrides for purchase.
Mary Desler of Glenview attended Sunday.”
“I love The Grove, it’s such a resource and a respite in the middle of the city — one very few green spaces with such an important history,” Desler said.
Original artifacts of The Grove on display as part of a brand new Kennicott Archives Exhibit, celebrating the 50th Anniversary the Grove Heritage Association (GHA).
A new art installation also invited guests to sit with a bronze sculpture of Robert Kennicott outside of the Kennicott Archives, to take in the sights and sounds of The Grove.
Jenny Magaziner of Winnetka attended Grove Folk Fest with family.
“This makes a great family outing for us and gives us a chance to hear some wonderful folk music out amongst the trees,” Magaziner said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.