Northbrook Autumnfest continued as planned Saturday despite the rain, but that didn’t stop people from persistently calling the Northbrook Park District weather event hotline to check on the status.
The park district was prepared to welcome more than 1,000 people to the complimentary event at Meadowhill Park.
The rain did forced the inflatables to be canceled due to slickness and safety, said Tiffany Greene, leisure services supervisor.
“Autumnfest is another example of why the Northbrook Park District is a great place to invest your time,” Greene said.
The four-hour later afternoon schedule was altered to accommodate the rain. Indoor activities began first in the chalet and included face painting and harvest bingo. Outdoor activities launched at 3 p.m.
Families could experience attractions such as a magic show under a large tent or a petting zoo provided by vendor Patch 22 of Wadsworth.
Naomi Kinzer, 4, of Northbrook, excitedly flapped her arms like a duck or chicken while her sister Hannah Kinzer, 6, played along in the petting zoo.
Stylish rain boots helped to navigate puddles on the ice skating rink where the petting zoo was located. Animals were seen drinking ample rainwater off of the cement although filled water bowls were available.
Meanwhile, Patch 22 attendants took a gander at an egg they found in one transport cage, freshly courtesy of, they thought, a duck.
“I love to do this every year,” said Rivka Daar, the parent of the Kinzer children.
“It’s a great start to our autumn.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
