ST. JAMES FARM TO HOST “FAMILY FIELD DAY” ON MAY 25

      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.
      During the event, demonstrations by numerous horses and riders will echo the thrill of world-class competitions the site once hosted. Dogs and their handlers will present agility, field, and search-and-rescue demonstrations as well. Visitors can explore a colonial-style stable and one modeled after Roman round barns or can stop by the 1920s dairy barn that housed a state-of-the-art operation and a Guernsey herd that set the benchmark for the Midwest. They can then try a hand at making butter the old-fashioned way and check out Maggie the milking cow. Hay-wagon rides and live bluegrass music will be ongoing as will activities for children 12 and younger, including archery, fishing and pony rides.
      Admission and parking are free, but some activities require a $5-per-family fee. The entrance to St. James Farm is on Winfield Road one-quarter mile north of Butterfield Road, and more information is available through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. This event is sponsored in part by Navistar.
      “Family Field Day” has traditionally coincided with the start of the St. James Farm operating season, which ran through November, but this year starting May 26, the preserve will be open year-round. Visitors will be able to hike, bike or ride horseback along its 3.4 miles of turf trails or stroll among its historic buildings, tree-lined paths, and statues and other works of art from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset 365 days a year.
      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.