Flannel and straw-clad figures will once again be transformed into expressions of art at the 36th annual Scarecrow Festival, which runs from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10 in downtown St. Charles.
“It has become a fall tradition in St. Charles, including the unique scarecrows and fall fun,” said Hayley Kahle with the St. Charles Business Alliance, which organizes the event.
The centerpiece of the festival is the immense display of scarecrows — about 75 in all — created by local families, businesses and organizations.
“My favorite thing about this event is seeing the scarecrows that the community builds and voting for my favorites in each category,” Kahle said. “Each scarecrow is unique and special to the specific group that entered it.”
From folksy farmer’s friends to high-tech homages of pop culture, the scarecrows will be on exhibit throughout the downtown, with visitors voting for the top spots in four categories, including mechanical and mega; individuals; businesses; and clubs, not-for-profits and schools. Voting ends 6 p.m. Sunday.
“While you are out looking at the scarecrows, be sure to visit all of the businesses in St. Charles who will be hosting festive in-store specials and menu items,” Kahle said.
Many shops and restaurants will sport festival-related window displays as well. Deals and event details will be mapped out on the festival’s website, scarecrowfest.com.
Along with the Scarecrow Stroll, there’s plenty of other autumnal fun to be had during the three-day fest.
“There are many fall family activities to enjoy, including family-friendly entertainment, a themed photo area and the Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show,” Kahle said. “It is a time for families to discover St. Charles and make memories.”
Situated on the east side of the Fox River in Pottawatomie Park, the craft show will feature more than 100 artists and crafters displaying and selling their handmade wares from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
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New this year is the Family Zone in Lincoln Park, which will replace the carnival.
“The Family Zone will have live entertainment throughout each day including music, face painting, a magic show, a balloon artist, professional pumpkin carver and professional bubble artist,” Kahle said. “It also will have 12 family-friendly booths hosted by local businesses that will host activities throughout the park.”
Friday’s full performance lineup includes the St. Charles Dance Company from noon to 12:30 p.m., the Elite Academy of Dance from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., 3rd. Street Dance from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Batavia Academy of Dance from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and School of Rock Geneva from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Saturday, performers include the Thompson Middle School Choir from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Joey Wilbur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Frizz from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and School of Rock Geneva from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Dreams Dance Academy is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Dance Dynamics from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., D2 Performing Company from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., Magic Show with Scott Piner from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Dennis O’Brien Band from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Of course, if inspiration strikes, you can build your scarecrow.
“A staple of Scarecrow Festival is ‘Scarecrow in a Box,'” Kahle said. “Make sure to buy your scarecrow kit to make at home.”
Available for sale at a booth on Riverside Avenue, kits contain pantyhose, twine, an outfit, straw to stuff the scarecrow, plus directions.
Scarecrow Festival
When: noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10
Where: downtown St. Charles
Tickets: free admission
Information: scarecrowfest.com
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.