This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

"FAMILY FIELD DAY AT ST. JAMES FARM" PROGRAM LINEUP TO OFFER WIDE VARIETY OF FAMILY FUN

"FAMILY FIELD DAY AT ST. JAMES FARM" PROGRAM LINEUP TO OFFER WIDE VARIETY OF FAMILY FUN


      The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites families to join its celebration of the region’s agricultural and equestrian heritage at “Family Field Day at St. James Farm” on Saturday,
May 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville on Winfield Road one-quarter mile north of Butterfield Road.
      From equestrian and canine demonstrations to antique tractors to dairy displays, this year’s event offers free demonstrations that will appeal to every member of the family.
      In the Limerick and Sanka equestrian arenas, visitors can enjoy dressage, show-jumping, Western pleasure and other demonstrations by the Mario Contreras Equestrian Fiesta Troupe, Midwest Renegades, Bull Run Equestrian Center, Just Say Nay 4-H Club, and St. James Farm and Wayne-DuPage Hunt pony clubs. Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities and Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility will also explain the benefits riding has for children with mobility impairments.
      At the Hound Paddock and Pavilion Marsh, visitors can take in canine performances by the Bensenville Police Department Arson InvestigationK-9 Unit, Max A Pooch the Canine Crusader for Animals and the Environment, German Shepherd Search-and-Rescue Dog Association, the Midwestern Jack Russell Terrier Club and Current Dog Training.

      Visitors can spread a blanket at the music stage to enjoy bluegrass by Ashley Lewis beginning at 1 p.m. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue will offer food for purchase, and visitors may bring picnic fare, too.
      Near the indoor riding arena, visitors can view the McCormick Tractor Exhibit featuring hybrid vehicles and modern and vintage tractors by Navistar, Case IH and the International Harvester Corporation Collectors Club Chapter 2 of Northern Illinois. A parade featuring many of the tractors and vehicles will kick off along the hay-wagon and shuttle routes at 2 p.m.  
      At the 1920s dairy barn, the Forest Preserve District’s Kline Creek Farm and the St. Charles Park District’s Primrose Farm will offer demonstrations on milking and dairy operations throughout the day.
      The event will also host a variety of activities for families to enjoy together, including archery, fishing, hay-wagon rides and pony rides for children 12 and under. A $5-per-family-fee will grant all-day access to these activity stations.
      For more information on “Family Field Day at St. James Farm,” call the District’s Visitor Services department at 630-933-7248.
      The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year more than 4 million visitors enjoy 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs. To get District e-news in your inbox, sign up at dupageforest.org/e-newsletter. For general information, visit dupageforest.org or call 630-933-7200.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?