What's Happening in Crystal Lake, IL…

The 11th Monarch Family Fun Fair will be a celebration of butterflies and bees next month in Crystal Lake.

The fair will be presented by the Monarch Coalition Committee in partnership with several conservation organizations, including US Fish and Wildlife and the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

First created in 2012, the refuge, in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, focuses primarily on migratory and grassland birds but also serves to protect and preserve other animals, plants, and insects.

Protection of monarch butterflies and their habitat has long been a focus of conservation in Illinois, and the monarch is the state insect.

The upcoming fair has historically included displays featuring pollinators, pollinator plants, monarchs, and other butterflies. Families have been able to learn about how to protect and support these insect populations.

This year’s exhibits are expected to include a monarch-themed art show, pollinator plants sales, and art and science activity stations. Encore Music Academy band members will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Organizations that present special community fairs such as this often use poster printing to draw attention to the event activities.

The Monarch Family Fun Fair will be held Sunday, August 16 from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive in Crystal Lake. There will be free beach access all day. Further fair information is available online.