Mocktails At Messenger Woods Set For Oct. 15

HOMER GLEN, IL — A Halloween-themed program for adults, the Forest Preserve District of Will County will host Mocktober at Messenger Woods on Oct. 15.

Mocktails and the mystique of Messenger Woods will combine for a program for adults 21 and over, on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. You must register online.

Jenna Krukowski, an interpretive naturalist at the Forest Preserve’s Isle a la Cache Museum, said in a news release that the program is designed to give adults a bit of spooky Halloween fun similar to the Trick-or-Treat in the Woods program for kids hosted by the Forest Preserve.

“Mocktober is just a grown-up take on that,” she said. “Visitors get to explore the preserves at night, learn cultural or natural connections, and enjoy some drinks and treats.”

A campfire and light snacks also will be provided. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

The program costs $5 per person. Registration is required by Oct. 13.

The exact meeting location at Messenger Woods will be sent out after registration, according to the preserve.

Krukowski said people can come on their own or with a group.

“Museum naturalists will guide participants through the woods along the trails to a few different stops, where guests will have a chance to try different mocktails and learn about their cultural or natural connections to the preserves,” Krukowski said in a news release.

Mocktail programs have been held before at Isle a la Cache Museum, but this new version at Messenger Woods will feature some new drink flavors and a different mix of nighttime creatures to view, Krukowski said.

“Anyone can come and enjoy the program,” she added. “This experience is less about making the mocktails and more about enjoying them and maybe trying something new. We also recognize that everyone has their own drink preferences so we're incorporating sweet, tart and refreshing elements into the mocktails.”