Martha and Howard Simpson to chair Bagpipes & Bonfire

Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s Life Directors, Martha and Howard Simpson will be this year’s Bagpipes & Bonfire chairs. This beloved fall event attracts over 1,700 attendees and serves as Lake Forest Open Lands’ annual fundraiser. It is a one-of-a-kind multi-generational family celebration which includes an open bar, dinner, dessert, Scottish bagpipes, pony rides, Highland dancers, fly casting, Highland athletes competition, sheep herding demonstration, pipe bands march, sky divers in kilts and an Amazing Grace bagpipe performance at dusk followed by the ‘Lighting of the Bonfire’.

“We are honored to be this year’s chairs,” states Martha Simpson. “Bagpipes & Bonfire is such a popular event as it brings people together of all ages and reflects the collective spirt of the thousands of Lake Forest Open Lands Association members and supporters.” Howard Simpson adds, “People willingly associate with Lake Forest Open Lands on many levels. From engaging with the land recreationally to actively taking part in a community work day, and for others it is the opportunity to associate with people at events such as Bagpipes & Bonfire. Associating with Lake Forest Open Lands for education programming is another appealing aspect for residents. It is the community organization which is inclusive to all ages. Lake Forest Open Lands Association is a voice for land and nature in our community.” Howard Simpson encourages everyone to walk out to any Lake Forest Open Lands’ preserve, any day of the year, and take a moment to quietly observe for five minutes. “What looks like a quiet moment quickly transforms into action as birds fly by, tiny buds burst with flowers and large oak trees sway in the breeze. It becomes a spiritual moment.”

The 2018 Bagpipes & Bonfire committee includes: Linda Leffingwell, Larry Leffingwell, Anna Haagensen, Jennifer Lueders and Meghan Murphy.

Proceeds from Bagpipes & Bonfire support Lake Forest Open Lands’ land conservation efforts encompassing over 800 acres and the important environmental education programming offered for children, students and adults. Northern Trust is the Presenting Lead Sponsor, Mariani Landscape, PCA and William Blair are the Gold Sponsors. Forest & Bluff magazine is the proud media sponsor.

Go to http://www.lfola.org/bagpipes-... to purchase tickets or Patron levels.

About Lake Forest Open Lands Association

Lake Forest Open Lands is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of our natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and our land. Since its establishment in 1967, Lake Forest Open Lands has acquired, preserved, restored and maintained over 800 acres and includes 12 miles of walking trails encompassing native landscapes, prairies, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands for the benefit and enjoyment of local communities. For more information about Lake Forest Open Lands, please visit www.LFOLA.org.

For questions about Bagpipes & Bonfire or to inquire about tickets and sponsorship opportunities please email ldavidson@lfola.org or call Leslie Davidson at 847.234.3880 x17.