News

Subie’s Holiday Workshop, festive music, lights, Santa highlight free Dec. 7 event

Bensenville, Ill. (November 18, 2024)— The Bensenville Park District invites area residents to welcome the holiday season at Farmside Christmas from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Avenue, Bensenville.

New in 2024 will be live music from various community organizations. Blackhawk Middle School will perform from 2-2:30 p.m., followed by the Fenton High School Banda Club from 2:45-3:20 p.m., Gracie Zelasko from 3:35-4:10 p.m. and Zion Lutheran will conclude the musical program from 4:25-5 p.m.

Visitors will be able to get into the holiday spirit with festive music and other activities and attractions that include horse and carriage rides and the live farm animals before warming up around a bonfire with hot chocolate and treats.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet patrons in the Granary Barn, where they can pick up a holiday cookie and get their pictures taken! Sunset is at 4:20 p.m., so the lights in the tree on the front lawn and throughout the grounds should be fully visible by 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, those attending will be able to explore the inside of the farm house, where they can see the dining room Christmas display and visit the gift shop for additional holiday purchases.

Subie’s Holiday Workshop, sponsored by Grand Subaru, returns in 2024, offering a place where attendees can work on holiday crafts and children can enter the holiday coloring contest. Grand Subaru will be giving away commemorative holiday ornaments to families while supplies last.

Grand Subaru General Manager Ryan Drouin says, “We are proud to support community events such as the Bensenville Park District’s Farmside Christmas that provide a platform for individuals to come together, share experiences and build meaningful connections.”
Admission and parking are FREE. Accessible parking is available on site. For more information about the event, including a schedule, parking, map and directions, visit BvilleParks.org/farmsidechristmas.

Fischer Farm is owned and operated by the Bensenville Park District. It is among the oldest remaining homesteads in DuPage County, with several restored historic structures, including a log house built circa 1836 and a farmhouse circa 1919. The land just north of the cabin has been left untouched and is valued for its original seedbeds. The property borders Fischer Woods, a forest preserve with the remnants of prairie, wetland and woodland ecosystems.

Limited spots remain for home visit in Santa’s mobile workshop

Bensenville, Ill. (November 15, 2024)— Time and space is running out for those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries to sign up for a visit from Santa in his mobile workshop from 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, December 9-13, as part of the park district’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” program.

Santa will make his way through the district in a lighted mobile workshop, making personal house visits throughout the district this holiday season. While the visits will be brief, participants will be able to share their holiday gift list and will receive a special treat. Visit times will be arranged by the park district a week prior to the event.

• Santa’s visit will adhere to the following schedule:
  • Monday, December 9—Addresses south of Jefferson/Third Avenue, with the exception of the White Pines subdivision;
  • Tuesday, December 10—Addresses north of Jefferson and south of Green Street;
  • Thursday, December 12—All addresses north of Green Street; and
  • Friday, December 13—White Pines subdivision and all unincorporated areas within the Bensenville Park District.

Sign up for ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ now because spaces are limited to just 20 homes per date. The fee is $10 per child or $35 per family. Waitlists will be formed. Register at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, or call 630-766-7015.

Purchase a 2025 annual membership and receive the rest of 2024 free

Bensenville, Ill. (November 12, 2024)— Wood Street Fitness, located at 1000 W. Wood Street in Bensenville, is celebrating Black Friday with an exclusive membership deal for new members, available from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, November 29. Patrons who sign up for a 2025 annual membership will receive the remainder of 2024 for free, adding an extra month to their fitness journey at no additional cost.

“This Black Friday special is a great opportunity for those thinking about a gym membership to kick-start their fitness goals before the new year,” says Recreation Supervisor Ty Beshiri, who oversees the fitness program as well as soccer, futsal and other sports such as pickleball. “A Wood St. Fitness annual membership offers a 15 percent discount compared to monthly rates, and the added free month makes it an even better value.”

The Black Friday deal applies to three membership types: fitness center memberships, Core Class Pass memberships and combination memberships. Additionally, new members will be entered into a raffle for a free prize package.

Current annual membership fees for Wood Street Fitness are as follows:
• Adult (17+): $153 for in-district; $183 for public
• Couple: $255 in-district; $306 for public
• Senior (55+): $112 for in-district; $143 for public
• Youth (12-16 in-district): $122; $153 for public

The Core Class Pass grants unlimited access to group fitness classes, excluding premier classes and special events. Annual rates are $300 for in-district and $360 for out-of-district residents. Members may also add the Core Class Pass to a regular fitness membership for an additional $204 annually.

Veterans and active military personnel qualify for the Black Friday promotion as well, receiving a free membership through 2024 and a 20 percent discount on subsequent annual memberships.

For additional information, visit WoodStFitness.com. To register, visit the Deer Grove Leisure Center at 1000 W. Wood Street, open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Black Friday.

UPDATE: As of Nov. 15, registrations are no longer being taken for Turkey Break Farm Camp. Patrons can still sign up for the Clubhouse Days Off School program.

Bensenville, Ill. (November 8, 2024)—The Bensenville Park District is offering two exciting opportunities for kids to stay active, explore the outdoors and make memories with friends this Thanksgiving break. Both Turkey Break Farm Camp at Fischer Farm and the Clubhouse Days Off School Program at the Deer Grove Leisure Center promise engaging activities, adventures and plenty of fun from Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 25-27.

The Turkey Break Farm Camp at Fischer Farm, located at 16W680 Old Grand Ave., invites kids ages 5-10 to experience the wonders of farm life with half-day sessions from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day. This camp provides a mix of animal encounters, creative crafts, engaging games, and a nature hike around the farm. Each day offers unique activities, ensuring campers have something new to enjoy each time they attend.

Fischer Farm Manager Christine Shiel emphasizes, “The Turkey Break Farm Camp is a fantastic way for kids to connect with nature, learn about farm life, and have hands-on experiences they’ll always remember.”

Participants are encouraged to bring a peanut-free snack and dress for outdoor activities. Registration is $35 per day, with a reduced rate of $29 for in-district residents.

Meanwhile, the Clubhouse Days Off School Program at the Deer Grove Leisure Center offers full-day fun for children from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kids can enjoy structured games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and a variety of surprises designed to keep them engaged and entertained all day long.

Recreation Supervisor Leslie Monarrez notes, “The Clubhouse Days Off School Program is the ultimate way for kids to enjoy their time off from school. Each day is filled with thrilling activities and chances to make unforgettable memories with friends.”

Participants should bring a sack lunch and water bottle each day; breakfast and an afternoon snack are provided. Registration for the Clubhouse Days Off Program is $65 per day, $55 for in-district residents and $35 for Clubhouse Before and After School participants.

Registration for both programs is open at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., in Bensenville. Additional holiday break camps and programs are also available in December and January. For more details, visit BvilleParks.org or call the Bensenville Park District at 630-766-7015.

Space is limited; make reservations now for this family event

Bensenville, Ill. (November 5, 2024) — White Pines Golf Club, located at 500 W. Jefferson St. in Bensenville, will host Breakfast with Santa from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15. Doors open at 10 a.m. This festive event offers families a chance to enjoy a hot breakfast, take photos with Santa and for children to share their holiday wishes with the big man himself.

Breakfast will include mini pancakes, a waffle station, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries and fruit. There’s also a kids’ station with favorites such as chicken nuggets, tater tots and macaroni and cheese. Beverages include coffee, hot cocoa, orange juice and milk.

Be on the lookout for the Grinch to emerge from his lair and wreak havoc. The Grinch’s Lair—which includes assorted interactive children’s activities—will be located in the 37 Bar and Grill, where the Grinch will be available for photos.

The highlight of the day is a visit from Santa Claus and the chance for kids to interact with him and have their photo taken. Photo albums are posted to the park district website for download following the event. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m. each day, with photos taking place until 12:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to drop off at the Toys for Tots donation site in the lobby of the banquet hall.

“We’re thrilled to bring families together for this magical experience,” says PGA General Manager Andrew Godfrey. “Santa’s visit to White Pines has become a cherished tradition, and we look forward to helping families create lasting holiday memories this season.”

Registration for White Pines’ Breakfast with Santa opened Nov. 1 runs through Dec. 6. Fees are $39 for adults, $19 for children ages 3-15, and free for children under 2. Early reservations are recommended, as space is limited. To reserve, call 630-766-0304 ext. 2. Register by calling 630-766-0304 ext. 2. Full payment is due at the time of the reservation.

For more details about Breakfast with Santa, visit WhitePinesGolf.com. Learn more about the Bensenville Park District’s other holiday events, visit BvilleParks.org.

Bensenville, Ill. (Oct. 31, 2024)–Puzzle enthusiasts, it’s time to gather a team and put those problem-solving skills to the test! The Bensenville Park District will host “That’s Puzzling,” a community puzzle competition, from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, November 15, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, located at 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville.

Teams of three or four people will compete head-to-head to complete a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest time. The event encourages community members of all ages to get involved in friendly competition, teamwork, and fun. Prizes await the fastest team, so bring your A-game!

Participants must register as a team by November 8 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. The cost to participate is $50 per team.

For more information about “That’s Puzzling” and other community events, visit BvilleParks.org or call 630-766-7015.

Try edible insects and win a prize

Bensenville, Ill. (October 28, 2024)—After Halloween, Fischer Farm is encouraging visitors to step outside their culinary comfort zones with its Eat a Bug Challenge, a free event running November 1-30. As 80 percent of countries worldwide include insects in their diets, Fischer Farm invites the local community to join this global trend by sampling seasoned crickets or mealworms—nutritious, sustainable protein sources.

Participants can drop by Fischer Farm’s gift shop and try one of these edible bugs. Those who accept the challenge will not only expand their palates but will also receive a prize as a reward for their adventurous spirit.

“Bugs are an abundant and eco-friendly protein source that many cultures enjoy daily,” said Christine Shiel, manager of Fischer Farm. “We hope the Eat a Bug Challenge will spark curiosity and provide a fun, unique way for people to rethink what food can be.”

Located at 16W680 Old Grand Ave. in Bensenville, Fischer Farm offers this exciting challenge to anyone interested in experiencing entomophagy—the practice of eating insects. Whether a food adventurer or just looking for something new, this event offers a chance to try something different.

The Fischer Farm shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and Fischer Farm grounds are open from dawn to dusk. The facility is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. For more information about Fischer Farm, visit BvilleParks.org/FischerFarm or follow on Facebook and Instagram at @BvilleFischerFarm.

Nov. 11 event also features Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan and IDVA Director Terry Prince

​Bensenville, Ill. (October 21, 2024)— The Bensenville Park District announced that Major General Matthew Baker (Ret.) will speak at the annual Veterans Day Breakfast honoring U.S. Armed Forces veterans, 9 a.m. Monday, November 11, at the White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson. Lt. Colonel Sean Sullivan (Ret.) and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Terry Prince will also provide remarks during the program, which honors in-district veterans and their immediate families with a free breakfast.

Major General Baker served as commanding general for the 88th Readiness Division (U.S. Army Reserve), headquartered at Fort Snelling, Minn., and Fort McCoy, Wis. He assumed command on July 30, 2022, retiring in July 2024. He was previously the commander of the 416th Theater Engineer Command, Darien, Ill. Major General Baker held numerous command and staff positions throughout the United States Army Reserve, including platoon leader, executive officer and commander of the 233rd Engineer Company in Marseilles, Ill. He also served as engineer staff officer for 38th Infantry Division Detachment in Chicago; as liaison officer for 404th Rear Operations Center in Machesney Park; as intelligence officer for the 244th Army Liaison Team in Machesney Park; as a task force engineer, Task Force Mountain in Bagram, Afghanistan; and as observer controller trainer with the 85th Training Division in Fort Sheridan. Major General Baker also served as aide-de-camp, executive officer, and PSO to Major General Heine, Director of Operations, Iraq Reconstruction Management Office for Multi-National Force Iraq in Baghdad.

Sullivan, a senior partner at Del Gado Law Group, served more than 20 years of active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry officer and judge advocate, retiring honorably as a lieutenant colonel in September 2012. He was a senior prosecutor responsible for Marine Corps investigations/prosecutions into alleged violations of the Law of Armed Conflict (war crimes) in Iraq and Afghanistan (2006-2012) as well as being responsible for Marine Corps investigations/prosecutions into allegations of bribery and contracting fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan (2007-2011). He earned three Meritorious Service medals, a Legion of Merit Awarded for Service as Senior Prosecutor for U.S. Marine Corps from June 2006 through July 2012 and Combat Action Ribbon awarded for service in Iraq (September 2004-April 2005).

Director Prince joined the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in April 2021 and leads a team of 1,200 professionals to provide beneficial services for nearly 600,000 veterans and their families across the state of Illinois. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he completed his 31-year career in 2017 as the Force Master Chief of Navy Medicine and Director of the Navy Hospital Corps. Before joining IDVA, he was the Superintendent of the Ohio Veterans Homes.

The event will also feature band and choral performances from Fenton High School, winners of the Fenton Defending Freedom Essay Contest and participation of state and local elected officials.

Although the event is free for in-district veterans and their families, pre-registration is required by Monday, November 4, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, or by calling (630) 766-7015. Other members of the community, including non-resident veterans, are welcome to attend the breakfast for a fee of $15. Visit BvilleParks.org for more information.

Bensenville veterans and their immediate families eat free on Veterans Day

​Bensenville, Ill. (October 14, 2024)— U.S. Armed Forces veterans residing within Bensenville Park District boundaries and their immediate families will be recognized with a free breakfast when the Bensenville Park District, Village of Bensenville and Fenton High School join to salute their service at the annual Veterans Day Breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, November 11, at the White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson, Bensenville.

“It is our duty to ensure veterans’ contributions are never forgotten and to support them in their transition to civilian life,” says Bensenville Park District Board President Rich Johnson. “Honoring veterans is a profound way to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served to protect our freedoms.”

In addition to recognition by attending dignitaries such as those from the Village of Bensenville, Fenton High School District 100 and elected officials from the state legislature, highlights of the breakfast include a presentation from a veteran as well as three winners of the Defending Freedom Essay contest from Fenton High School.

Although the event is free for resident veterans and their families, pre-registration is required by Monday, November 4, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, or by calling (630) 766-7015. Other members of the community, including veterans living outside of Bensenville Park District boundaries, are welcome to attend the breakfast for a $15 fee.

The long-running Veterans Day Breakfast caps the year for veteran programming, which included a veteran golf outing at White Pines in June, a July 4 veterans swim at the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad and an aqua Zumba picnic event in August. Wood Street Fitness, through its partnership with Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies, offers numerous veterans’ fitness services and events throughout the year. Additionally, the park district has installed priority parking for veterans at numerous facilities, including the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad, Deer Grove Leisure Center, Fischer Farm, Veterans Park and White Pines.

Learn more about this event and other programs at BvilleParks.org.

Monster Mash Outdoor Bash includes trunk or treat, carnival games and more

Bensenville, Ill. (October 10, 2024)—The Bensenville Park District invites area residents to join the Monster Mash Outdoor Bash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 26, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center parking lot, 1000 W. Wood Street, in Bensenville.

Those attending the Monster Mash will get in the Halloween spirit by taking a trip through the Halloween-themed DGLC parking lot, where kids of all ages will be able to enjoy many fun activities. The event is free, and advance registration is not necessary.

Children and families are invited to dress in costume and get their Halloween photos taken at the designated photo area. Prizes for best costume will be awarded for first, second and third place by age group. Winners will be announced at the event.

The family-friendly Monster Mash, sponsored by Grand Subaru of Bensenville, will feature a trunk-or-treat, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, food and drink. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Some activities may move indoors in the event of inclement weather.

Information about this and other park district fall programs and activities can be found on BvilleParks.org.