Wagner Farm Celebrates Fall

Four-year-old Riley Walker loves visits to Wagner Farm with her grandmother Donna. In fact, she visits several times a month and will proudly tell anyone just how much she enjoys the horses and cows.

On Saturday, the Walkers were joined by dozens of other families at the Ninth Annual Picnic Supper, Barnyard Dance and Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Glenview Park District at Wagner Farm. Families toted picnic dinners, enjoyed live music and indulged in Homer's ice cream sundaes at the historic farm.

One of the oldest remaining farms in Cook County, the Wagner family has opened the property to neighborhood children for decades, making it an integral part of the community. When the last Wagner family member died in 1997, local supporters organized Citizens Organization for Wagner's in order to save the farmland from residential development. The next year, the Glenview Park District passed a referendum and in 2000, purchased the farm.

Today, the nearly 19-acre property is a place for family fun and provides an opportunity for children to learn about animals and farm life. The Picnic Supper, Barnyard Dance and Ice Cream Social event mirrors a traditional harvest celebration, said Sarah Hagye, program manager at Wagner Farm.

"In early 20th-century farming, it was typical during harvest season for workers to farm all day and at the end of the day have a large celebration," she said.

In addition to interacting with farm animals, children and their families had opportunities to square dance in the field, tour the restored farmhouse and feed chickens in their coop. Tractor drawn hayrides were a highlight of the event while interactive exhibits about food and farm life at the Wagner Farm Heritage Center transported visitors decades into the past.

"It's such a wonderful learning opportunity," said Donna Walker. "To have a farm in the middle of the suburbs, it's hard to believe that something so nice is right here. When I ask my granddaughter what she wants to do, it's always Wagner Farm."

Coming Up

On Sept. 25 families are invited to enjoy cider and s'mores under an autumn night sky at the Harvest Bonfire at the Farm from 5-8 p.m. And, until Oct. 9, visitors can also enjoy a selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers and homemade goods at the Farmers Market, held every Saturday across from the Wagner Farmhouse, 1510 Wagner Rd.

Glenview Park District employees welcome visitors and say there is always something for everyone.

"We're looking forward to the bonfire," Hagye said. "We try to have fun, family events that celebrate each season."

The farm is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., unless otherwise noted on its website. For more information on the Wagner Farm and other farm events, please visit www.glenviewparkdistrict.org.