Eighty-five handmade scarecrows will be showcased around town during the 36th annual Scarecrow Festival, presented by AAA. The annual festival will bring entertainment for all to enjoy in downtown St. Charles on Oct. 8-10.

Vote for your favorites in the Scarecrow Contest beginning at noon Friday, Oct. 8. Help decide the winners in four categories: Business, Mega/Mechanical, Nonprofits and Schools, and Individuals.

St. Charles Business Alliance Executive Director Jenna Sawicki said it will be a great weekend for locals and visitors alike to come out to Scarecrow Fest.

“This year, we’ve worked hard on continuing the success of Scarecrow Fest and seeing how we can make it a benefit for all to enjoy,” Sawicki said. “As for the contest, I can’t wait to see what our contestants are bringing to downtown St. Charles.”

Watch a professional pumpkin carver work out the intricate details on Saturday and Sunday during the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival.
– Courtesy of St. Charles Business Alliance

The Family Zone, sponsored by St. Charles Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram, is a new addition to the Scarecrow Festival. It will replace the carnival with live entertainment and family activities throughout the weekend in Lincoln Park. Festival hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

On Friday, the St. Charles Dance Company will perform from noon to 12:30 p.m., Elite Academy of Dance from 12:45-1:15 p.m.; Third Street Dance from 1:45-2:15 p.m.; Batavia Academy of Dance from 2:30-3 p.m.; and School of Rock-Geneva from 4-6 p.m.

The Thompson Middle School Choir will open the Saturday festival from 10-10:30 a.m., followed by the 16-year-old singer/songwriter Joey Wilbur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Frizz performs a combination of folk, funk, jazz, & rock from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and the School of Rock Geneva from 4-6 p.m.

On Sunday, the Moves Dance Studio will take the stage from 11-11:30 a.m., followed by Dance Dynamics from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Enjoy a magic show with Scott Piner from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The Dennis O’Brien Band will close out the festival from 3-5 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 10, local singer and guitarist Dennis O’Brien and his band will close out the 36th annual St. Charles Scarecrow Festival.
– Courtesy of Dennis O’Brien

On Saturday and Sunday, check out a professional pumpkin carver and the giant bubbles by Glowby the Bubbler. There also will be face painting and a balloon artist on Friday and Saturday.

Scarecrow in a Box will be sold on Riverside Avenue. Each box will include pantyhose, twine, an outfit, straw to stuff the scarecrow and directions. Make sure to stop by and purchase your Scarecrow in a Box on Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is sponsored by McNally’s Heating & Cooling.

Stop by the annual Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show featuring over 100 crafters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. Many crafters have fall decor, including floral, scarecrows, iron sculpture, painted pumpkins, and carved gourds. There’s also a variety of jewelry, metal art, stained glass, photography, primitive wood, as well as whimsical folk art. Food products include a variety of chocolates, soup and dip mixes, baked goods, honey products, and barbecue items.

For the full lineup of entertainment, visit www.scarecrowfest.com.