Living & Giving | Nov. 2025
OAK-TOBERFEST 2025
By Contributor
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BARRINGTON AREA CONSERVATION TRUST
Ella Redfern, Jenna Trzaska, Monica Redfern
Under a glowing harvest moon, more than 175 guests gathered for the Barrington Area Conservation Trust’s Oak-Toberfest 2025 at Far Field Nature Preserve—an oak savanna now 11 years into restoration and rarely open to the public. The Biergarten featured craft beers by Wild Onion Brewery, fresh pretzels on arrival, and a hearty German-inspired menu by The Canteen. Guests enjoyed lively performances by Pat McKillen and Wrought Iron Soul, with the bonfire casting a warm glow across the prairie. Board President Matt Vondra and Executive Director Melissa Kinast spoke about BACT’s mission and lasting impact during a night that became the organization’s most successful fundraiser yet. bactrust.org
