SWING INTO SUMMER

Swing INTO

SUMMER

The Primrose Farm Barn Dance is back

By Erika Young | Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

There’s no better way to swing into summer than with the annual Barn Dance held at Primrose Farm on May 21. With music provided by Shout Section Big Band, directed by Brett Dean, and dance lessons courtesy of

Vargo’s Dance in Geneva, this evening under the stars at the Farm promises to be a jive-hot step back in time.

Not one to rest on the laurels of previous exceedingly popular events, Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpretive services, and the farm staff have kicked things up a notch for this year’s highstepping night of fun and food and fancy footwork.

But for anyone whose footwork may be less than fancy, the folks from Vargo’s Dance will be providing dance lessons to help dancers get in the — well, swing of things. The Farm will open its doors at 5:50 p.m. to allow plenty of time to check in before dance lessons begin at 6:15 p.m.

And learning swing dance can be that much more fun if one dresses in costumes of the era. Anyone wearing period-appropriate clothes from the 1930s and ’40s can choose to participate in a costume competition. This contest will reward creativity and authenticity in capturing the era through vintage clothes and accessories, so get ready to raid your grandma’s closet or sift through area thrift stores. Just as taking a break from the rigors of seasonal chores at events such as barn dances was a popular form of entertainment for farm families back in the 1930s, so was the chance to show off the fruits of their harvest and talents in their kitchen with a pie baking contest. In the spirit of keeping it authentic, guests at this year’s barn dance are encouraged to show off more than their Lindy Hop by bringing a homemade pie to compete for bragging rights. During band breaks, pies will be judged based on appearance and taste. Winners will be announced during the final break of the evening. At that point, let the eating begin! “The pies will be served on a first-come, first-served basis,” says Jones. “Previously, this part of the evening has been a big hit, and hopefully we’ll have enough

for everyone to at least enjoy a little taste of these homemade delicacies. It makes for a fun, community event.” But if you’d rather pass on the pie, there are plenty of other food options added to the evening’s fun and entertainment. The fire pit will be lit and while enthusiastic observers or energetic dancers are taking a break from the foxtrotting and jitterbugging, they can head over to the fire and enjoy the sounds of the band while watching the sun set. Fernando’s Street Kitchen will be on-site with its food trailer grilling up tacos and other delicious items. Dancing in the barn can be an energetic pursuit, so when dancers need to cool their heels, tractor-drawn wagon rides around the farm fields will give them a chance to catch their breaths. “They’ll get to see the Farm in a whole new light,” says Jones. Twinkle lights and kerosene lanterns give the farmyard a festive glow, and vases of fresh-cut flowers also add to the party atmosphere. And lest one forgets that all this food, fun and music is taking place at a working farm, several of Primrose Farm’s resident animals will be overlooking the fun as well. Most of the farm animals will be accessible for petting in the lots and pastures closest to the barn. The live music and dancing begin at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. Advance tickets are $17 per person through May 20 while those purchased at the door are $20 each. Food and beverages are additional. Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road. For more details, visit www.primrosefarm.org.

Spring Ephemerals

through May 31 The return of colorful blooms is a much welcome sign of Spring!

To aid naturalist staff with this project, please share any pictures of flowering blooms found anywhere in Kane County – natural areas, parks, forest preserves, back yards, etc. Record your discoveries on the free app iNaturalist.

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Kane County, IL: Spring 2022 Ephemerals

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