Mocktails at Messenger Woods – a Halloween-themed program for adults
An upcoming program for adults combines mouthwatering mocktails and the woodsy mystique of Messenger Woods with the childlike fun of trick-or-treating.
Registration is open now for Mocktober at Messenger Woods, scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. The program is for adults 21 and older.
Jenna Krukowski, an interpretive naturalist at the Forest Preserve’s Isle a la Cache Museum, said the program is designed to give adults a bit of spooky Halloween fun similar to the Trick-or-Treat in the Woods program for kids hosted by the Forest Preserve.
“Mocktober is just a grown-up take on that,” she said. “Visitors get to explore the preserves at night, learn cultural or natural connections, and enjoy some drinks and treats.”
A campfire and light snacks also will be provided. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
The program costs $5 per person. Registration is required by Oct. 13. Call 815-722-9301 or register online.
The exact meeting location at Messenger Woods will be sent out after registration.
Krukowski said people can come on their own or with a group.
“Museum naturalists will guide participants through the woods along the trails to a few different stops, where guests will have a chance to try different mocktails and learn about their cultural or natural connections to the preserves,” Krukowski explained.
Those who want to can also take a short moonlit hike in the woods. Or they can hang out at the campfire, which will be going all evening.
Mocktail programs have been held before at Isle a la Cache Museum, but this new version at Messenger Woods will feature some new drink flavors and a different mix of nighttime creatures to view, Krukowski said.
“Anyone can come and enjoy the program,” she added. “This experience is less about making the mocktails and more about enjoying them and maybe trying something new. We also recognize that everyone has their own drink preferences so we're incorporating sweet, tart and refreshing elements into the mocktails.”
