The kids are heading back to school, night is falling earlier, and thoughts are turning to the changing landscapes and crisp air of autumn. The St. Charles Park District is also welcoming the fall season with a variety of programs and opportunities for family fun.
Pistons for the Park, a car show fundraiser for the St. Charles Park Foundation, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 at James O. Breen Community Park. Admitted at no cost, spectators are encouraged to come out and see a wide variety of vintage and classic cars, roadsters, muscle cars, hot rods, and more, all owned by their fellow community members. Awards will be given for Owner’s Choice, People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice and Grand Champion. Festivities will also include a raffle, and food will be available for purchase.
The Big Truck Show will take place in conjunction with this fundraiser. From 10 a.m. to noon, adult and kid enthusiasts alike are welcome to discover the inner workings of a number of specialty vehicles, from emergency vehicles to tractors, dump trucks, and more during this free event.
“It’s a great time for families to bring kids out and see the trucks and cars they might see and read about, but now they’ll actually see them up close and in person,” said Abigail Fleming, a recreation supervisor for the park district. “It also gives kids the opportunity to talk to the people who drive these big trucks every day.”
At another park, the attention will be less wheels, more adult beverage tastings. September 12 also brings Sip & Stroll to the city’s charming Mt. St. Mark Park.
“Sip & Stroll is a fantastic event to enjoy with friends and family,” Fleming said. “Participants will get to try a variety of food and drink options while strolling Mount St. Mary Park and listening to some great live music.”
The event, which takes place from 3 to 5:30 p.m., will feature the melodies of New Vintage Strings, which bills itself as a contemporary string quartet known for jazz, pop, rock and alternative covers with a hint of classical. Jazz Weekend downtown St. Charles is happening the same weekend, so those enjoying live music are only a short walk away from even more offerings, Fleming added.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
Later in the month brings Tiny Tots Track Meet. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, kids 3 to 7 can put their unbridled energy to great use during this semi-competitive event at Reid Field at Thompson Campus.
“This is a fun event for young runners,” said Melissa Caine, assistant superintendent of recreation. “Families are right on the track cheering on their athletes. Each race is competitive, but there is so much excitement that the kids just have fun running against other kids.”
At the end of each race, those in first, second, and third place receive a ribbon. All competitors receive an award upon completion of the final race, which finds fellow family members, be they parents or siblings, running against the day’s competitors.
The cost is $13 per participant.
Kids with lots of stamina—and those raising them—will also want to join in Park Play Dates. These free casual meet-ups help area families to discover the many open spaces throughout St. Charles, and perhaps find a friend or two in the process. Play dates are geared to those age 7 and younger, but older siblings are welcome.
“No registration is required, just come ready to play,” said Kara Guizzetti-Reif, early childhood and preschool supervisor. “And come even if you can’t be there right at the start or stay for the whole hour. Really, just come out and enjoy the fresh air and playing with your family.
Free Park Play Dates take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every other Saturday. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, September 5 at Harvest Hills Park, where participants will engage in fall stories and songs, while the focus will turn to sidewalk chalk at Red Gate Park on September 19.
Purchase admission for ticketed events at stcparks.org/events.