Weekend Picks: Big Rock Plow Match, St. Peter Barn Sale, Fox Valley Marathon, Dundee Heritage Fest, ODD-Toberfest …

kanecountyconnects / September 17, 2015 / Comments Off / Arts & Entertainment, Clubs and Organizations, Events, History, Weekend

There must be something about the weekends in September that makes them such a big draw for festivals and big events.

Probably the weather has a lot to do with it. Cool and sunny (hopefully) and pleasant. A great chance to get outdoors and enjoy one last bit of fun before the cold kicks in.

Obviously, this is a great weekend to catch a high school football game, get some apple cider and doughnuts or get out to one of the great forest preserves in Kane County and enjoy the first signs of fall color. But there are plenty of fests and fun this weekend, as well.

Here are some suggestions for the weekend of Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, with a “top five” feature and a longer (but hardly comprehensive) list below.

St. Peter Barn Sale

It might be “God’s Work, Our Hands,” but it’s also a weekend of great deals for you and your family. The event that’s sometimes called the biggest barn sale in Illinois takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, Route 38 and Randall Road, at the entrance one block west of Randall on IL Route 38.

What can you buy at the Barn Sale?

Antiques and collectibles, baby items, books and music, china and glassware, clothing and shoes, computers, furniture, electronics, appliances, home decor, housewares, lighting, linens, plants, seasonal decor, sporting goods, tools and hardware, toys, fabrics and crafts, bicycles and more!

Advocate Dryer Fox Valley Marathon

kids marathon CASA

The Advocate Dryer Fox Valley Marathon is one of the big events of the fall. Runners race Sunday over marathon and half-marathon courses along the Fox River on Sunday, starting and ending in St. Charles. Here’s the Spectator Guide. The weekend also includes the CASA Kane County KIDS Marathon, which takes place on Saturday and is a hoot for kids, parents and spectators.

Dundee Heritage Fest

heritage fest dundee ferris wheels

Dundee’s Heritage Fest has expanded kids activities for 2015, and has a rockin’ good time in store for kids of all ages. Both sides of the river will be rocking when Dundee lights up its annual three-day farewell to summer, that kicks off from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. “If you’re into music, you’re absolutely going to find something to like in this year’s lineup at Heritage Fest,” said East Dundee’s Village President Lael Miller.

The same is true if you’re a kid. Expanded kids activities include trackless train rides, games, crafts, face painting, silent movies and magic shows , the ever popular carnival rides and Ferris Wheel.

121st Big Rock Plow Match

Big Rock Plow Match2

The 121st annual Plowing Match is one of the longest running events of its kind, a traditional competition based on Welsh heritage that began in 1894 and in its own way is a symbol of American life and community in its most ideal form. This is an event you really should show the kids. From Antique Steel and Rubber category plowing, to the 4-H Beef Show to The Prince and Princess Contest, there’s a lot to do and a lot to be said for this terrific slice of history and Americana.

ODD-Toberfest

oktoberfest dog with two beer mugs ,smiling happy

The oddest event of the weekend promises a lot of fun, too. Elgin Lodge #12 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a 200-year-old 501C3 nonprofit fraternal organization, is partnering with the South Elgin Lions Club to put on an Oktoberfest style celebration to raise funds for both charities. “ODD-Toberfest” is set for Sept. 18 through Sept. 20 in downtown South Elgin, and 50 percent of the proceeds will benefit the new SEBA All Inclusive Park, which had its grand opening on Aug. 8, 2015, but still needs fund for Phase 2 and Phase 3.

“We are asking the media, residents and businesses to help and open your hearts to help make this a great event,” said Larry Sitkiewicz, who sent out the press release for the event. “We are calling it ODD-Toberfest just to be a little ODD.”