Each year when September comes to a close, Lake Forest families gather in celebration of autumn and our community’s dedication to preserving open land.  Set against the serene backdrop of Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, this year’s Bagpipes and Bonfire included Highland games, fiddling, fly casting, wagon rides and a delicious harvest dinner.  As the sun began to set, a 100 member bagpipe and drum band performed until one piper summited a giant brush mound in the center of the field.  The crowd was still as he played a chill inducing version of Amazing Grace, and after the last notes were played, the band marched off with drums beating in unison as the twilight bonfire was lit.

Funds raised from Bagpipes and Bonfire support Lake Forest Open Lands Association, an environmental education and advocacy group that maintains over 800 acres of open space in our community.