Mosey Down To Riverview Farmstead Preserve For Fall On The Farm Event

Fall on the Farm, a new event headed to Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville on Saturday, Sept. 16, will transport you back to the good ol' days.

The free, family-friendly Forest Preserve District of Will County event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and attendees will learn about life on the farm and how to have some old fashioned fun.

Kids can cozy up to some critters at a petting zoo and visitors of all ages can try some farmstead chores. Tractors and antique farm equipment will be on display.

Food trucks also are scheduled to roll in to Fall on the Farm. Smokin’ Z BBQ will provide some delicious lunch options, Lil Deb’s will have snack foods and Tapville Social will be serving up cold brews.

Fall on the Farm is going to be a more substantial event than has been held at Riverview Farmstead in recent years, said Jen Guest, the Forest Preserve's facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache.

"The farm will be decorated for fall while we showcase the farmstead buildings and grounds," she explained. "Visitors can explore the preserve's huge barn filled with antique farm equipment, and the historic limestone farmhouse. These buildings will be surrounded by fun activities for all ages to enjoy."

Rochambeau will be playing live bluegrass music to help set the mood, she added.

"Be sure to check out the petting zoo and hands-on farm-themed activities," Guest said. "You can try your hand at collecting eggs, hand washing clothes, and pretending to run your own farmstand."

Kids can play in the barnyard-themed bounce house and corn sandbox with farm toys.

"We even have inflatable ponies you can bounce on in our corral," Guest said. "And be sure to stop by the craft tent to make a cornhusk doll, souvenir post card, and a vegetable print to take home. We will have a fall-themed photo booth set up and plenty of other places to take memorable photos, so be sure to bring your camera."

Vendors on site will include The Nature Foundation of Will County, Wild Birds Unlimited and RejuveNate.

"Bring the whole family, and get a start on the fall season," Guest said. "We love highlighting Riverview Farmstead where we can share a bit about early agriculture in Will County. We have been so fortunate to save these beautiful buildings and grounds. We can’t wait to share it with the public during this awesome new event."

Volunteers are still needed to assist with this event. To get started, complete a waiver online. For information, contact Emily Kenny at 815-722-7364 or volunteerservices@fpdwc.org.

Riverview Farmstead Preserve is located on Book Road, south of Hassert Boulevard/111th Street.