Pack up the dogs and the kids and come to the South Suburban Humane Society Bark Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Willard Woods Park, 515 First St. in Crete. Registration is at 9 a.m.

There will be behaviorist demonstrations, pet costume contest, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, games for kids, face painting and breakfast and lunch for all registered participants. Registration includes free T-shirt, dog bandanna, breakfast, lunch and goodie bag to the first 100 dogs. For more information, call (708) 672-6969.

Eau de garlic

Don't forget the Garlic Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road in Park Forest. This annual celebration of garlic offers different assortments of garlic, information on it, including its uses, planting techniques and cooking. Ride a shuttle to the farm and enjoy demonstrations on garlic preparation, take a walk around the farm and try your hand at garlic braiding. Organic garlic bulbs and braids will be available for purchase.

Construction growth

Also on Saturday, friends of mine from Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity invite everyone to a hands-on construction celebration of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs. This volunteer day has been set aside especially for high school youths from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 67 E. 137th St. in Riverdale. Join us for fun, fellowship and a rewarding service opportunity. Volunteers for the Youth Blitz Day must be at least 15. An e-mail with insurance waiver will be sent to interested people. This signed waiver is the pass to the work site. Ages 15 to 17 will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian before they can work. For more information, call (630) 341-7663.

Howling good time

Looking for something wild and adventurous? Join me from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10 at Plum Creek Nature Center and take a walk on the wild side and learn more about the life of the coyote and its existence in northeastern Illinois. Trails that will be hiked are hilly and have an uneven natural terrain. Register. For more information, call (815) 727-8700.

Fall into fest

The 16th annual Fall Fest will take place this month at Plum Creek, 1225 E. Bemes Road in Crete. This Fall Fest is different from others as it offers a lovely rural setting where children and adults can experience the beautiful colors unique to autumn. Their activities and decorations celebrate the season and the outdoors. Each child will receive one free pumpkin. There is a new straw maze, a tractor tire area for children to play in and the petting zoo. It costs $6 a person. It will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11, 18, and 25. For reservations call (708) 672-7999.

The opinions are solely those of the writer.