If you've never experienced a St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend, this year is a perfect chance to do so. On October 6th through October 8th, the 38th annual Scarecrow Weekend will be taking place in downtown St. Charles. This award-winning event is a must-circle on your calendar, being that it's filled with so much community history and tradition. Throughout the weekend, there will be numerous fall-themed entertainment and activities that everyone of all ages will enjoy, as well as the famous Scarecrow Contest that brings out the most fun and creative straw creations around. Take a look below to find everything you need to know about this year's community celebration.
Scarecrow Contest
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
The most exciting contest of the year - the Scarecrow Contest! The Scarecrow Contest allows for visitors to vote on their very favorite scarecrow in four different categories: Individual, Business, Clubs/Not-for-Profit, Schools, and Mechanical/Mega. You'll be able to admire the 110+ scarecrows in a few different areas including the Individual & Mechanical/Mega category in the Lincoln Park Family Zone, along with the Business category in the Riverside Activity Zone. You'll also be able to find the Clubs/Not-for-Profit/Schools scarecrows in the Riverside Activity Zone and 1st Street. You'll be amazed by the creativity of all the different entries, and it's a blast (however tough), narrowing down just which ones are your favorite. You only get one ballot per person, so e sure to use your votes wisely! Once you vote, don't forget to stop by the Information Booth at the Municipal Building to get your limited-edition "I Voted" sticker!
*New this Year*
This year, the St. Charles Business Alliance is unveiling a brand-new way you can vote for your favorite scarecrows! Along with the traditional paper ballot, you'll also now be able to vote right on your mobile device! Using the Travel St. Charles App, you'll be able to find the scarecrow you like the most on the Challenges tab, and then you can scan the QR code located on the tag of each scarecrow to vote. The best part is, this is an eco-friendly alternative in order to make our event more green!
Lincoln Park Family Zone
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Now that you have a good understanding of what the Scarecrow Contest is all about, it's time to explore the other exciting elements happening during the event. Starting with the Lincoln Park Family Zone, there will be an array of stage performances throughout the weekend, along with several roaming entertainers. From local dance teams and musicians to magic shows and more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss Leslie Hunt, an accomplished musician and St. Charles business owner, who will be performing with her band on October 7th from 4pm-5:30pm, and with her talented Hunt House Creative Arts Students from 2:30pm-4pm. On October 8th, the Tim Gleason Trio, a Yorkville-based country artist who has had the chance to perform at Country Thunder, will take the stage from 2:30pm-4:30pm. In addition to the stage performances, Glowby the Bubbler will be back and is ready to wow crowds with his bubble tricks, and the Magic of Scott Piner who will leave you spellbound with his exceptional magic performances.
Family Fun Booths
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
While you're soaking up all the phenomenal entertainment that is going on on the stage and throughout the Lincoln Park Family Zone, you'll also spot many different Family Fun Booths that are set up in the park. These Family Fun Booths are ran by local businesses that will not only offer you information on their services, but they'll also have fall activities and even some fun prizes! Tri City Health Partnership is bringing back their fan-favorite activity for the second year - Giant Operation, and Goldfish Swim School will be making a splash with Plinko and Bozo Buckets! These are just a couple of the many activities that will be taking place at the Family Fun Booths.
What's Your Favorite Scarecrow Contest Category?
Individual Category
Club/Not-for-Profit/School Category
Business Category
Mechanical/Mega Category
Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show
Another community tradition that takes place during Scarecrow Weekend is the Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show that will be held at Pottawatomie Park. The show runs from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday. With 100+ crafters selling a variety of products including jewelry, metal art, stained glass, photography, and more, this is the ideal place to pick up something that is unique and handmade. After you're done looking at everything these talented artisans are offering, take a short walk down the bike path to get back to all the scarecrow festivities!
Riverside Activity Zone
Photo #1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
If you're feeling a bit of creative inspiration from being at the Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show, then you're in for a treat! The Riverside Activity Zone is going to be jammed packed with fun, family-friendly activities, including Scarecrow-to-Go. For only $10, you'll receive everything you need to create your very own straw friend. And that's not all - you'll also get to experience the amazing sounds of an Interactive DJ, admire the impressive designs done by a professional pumpkin carver, navigate through a thrilling fun house maze, and so much more! If exciting fall activities is what you're in search of, then the Riverside Activity Zone is your ultimate destination.
Looking for a more in-depth look at some of the attractions that will only be at Scarecrow Weekend for a limited time? Read read one of our latest blogs here to get a sneak peek!
Food Vendors
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Being that this event is a celebration of the autumn season, it only makes sense that there will be some incredible fall food available for you to purchase! Both the St. Charles Breakfast Rotary Club and the St. Charles Kiwanis Club will be in the front Municipal Parking Lot serving up food such as hotdogs, brats, apple cider, chips, and much more! Also the Windy Acres Farm Tent is back again this year, selling their famous apple cider, apple cider donuts, and more fall treats to indulge in!
Sales & Specials
Photo #1 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District, Photo #2 Courtesy of Boutique Baby
Scarecrow Weekend is a city-wide community event, and as mentioned before, it's one of St. Charles' most beloved traditions. When this weekend rolls in, many local businesses will get in the spirit of the event by offering fall-themed sales and specials. You'll find exciting promotions, like the St. Charles Park District's Ghoulish Golf, and even sales like Boutique Baby offering 10% off all merchandise (excluding hardware). You'll have a great time taking advantage of all the deals, and in turn, you'll be supporting our wonderful local businesses!
Since you'll already be downtown for Scarecrow Weekend, don't forget to swing by the local stores to discover all the terrific retail St. Charles has to offer. From fantastic consignment shops to businesses offering one-of-a-kind products, this city has got it all. Click here to learn more about shopping in St. Charles, IL.
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