September 25

The Occasion: Serving as the North Shore’s kickoff to fall, supporters of Lake Forest Open Lands gathered at the Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve to cheer on this autumnal tradition.

The Highlights: Scottish Highland athletes kept the crowd entertained as kilted skydivers made a dramatic entrance, all right before a bagpipe procession and lighting of the enormous brush pile.

The End Result: Hundreds of families came to watch the tartan-themed tradition, all in support of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s 800 acres, six nature preserves, and vibrant environmental education program. lfola.org.

Photography by Larry Miller