Hinsdale’s popular Fire & Police Open House and Fall Family Fest both are on schedule for October.
The Fire & Police Open House is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the headquarters of both agencies, 121 Symonds Drive.
Fall Family Fest is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at Burlington Park and the village’s downtown.
The theme for this year’s open house is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” with demonstrations and tips on safe use, charging, and recycling, according to information from the village.
In addition, there will be a variety of hands-on activities, including a junior firefighter obstacle course, 911 call simulator, safety house presentation, and a live fire demonstration. Kids can also help welcome the fire department’s new fire engine with the tradition of “pushing it” into the firehouse.
Fox Valley Fire and Safety will provide free fire extinguisher checks with a limit of three per person.
On the police side, kids will receive a special passbook to collect stamps from vendors and then choose a fun giveaway prize. Visitors can also check out demonstrations and information on department activities such as SWAT and the bomb squad, as well as crime scene investigation equipment, drones and more.
According to the village, activities during the open house for the police department may include meeting the officers, police station tours and child fingerprinting.
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Additional fire department activities may include a fire extinguisher demonstration and testing, home escape plans tips and fire safety trailer, “Fight the Fire” game for kids, meet the firefighters and fire station tours.
There also are plans for a bounce house, music, hot dogs, refreshments, and giveaways.
“The Open House is another great way for our community to get to know their Police and Fire Departments,” said Karen Kowal of the Hinsdale Police Department. “We have fun activities and demonstrations in hopes of engaging with community members of all ages.”
Kowal said Hinsdale started its annual Fire and Police Open house about 2002. A virtual event was held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last year, we had over 400 people,” she said Monday. “This year, we are preparing for about 400 people. As of now, the weather is looking fabulous, so we hope to have a great turnout.”
The Fall Family Fest is slated to include entertainment and crafts, inflatables for play, trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses, a Halloween costume contest, with check-in from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce table, and free pumpkins for the first 500 participants.
More information about the Fall Family Fest is with the Hinsdale Parks & Recreation Department at 630-789-7090 or [email protected].
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.