Scarecrow Fest to take on different look because of COVID-19 pandemic

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles Business Alliance has released more details on the changes to the 35th annual Scarecrow Fest because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival is set to take place from Oct. 9-11. Because of the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, this year's festival will take on a different look and feel.

“We want to make sure to set the expectation that this year is going to look significantly different than previous Scarecrow Festivals,” St. Charles Business Alliance executive director Jenna Sawicki said in a news release from the St. Charles Business Alliance, which organizes the festival. “While there will be major changes in place, we have been working hard to keep the spirit of this amazing, community festival alive so that we can keep the joy and benefits it brings to our businesses and community.”

Major changes for the festival include the cancellation of the carnival and craft show along with how the scarecrows will be placed. Typically placed at Lincoln Park, scarecrows will instead be spread around the town to encourage social distancing, while also supporting local businesses that will be paired with said scarecrows.

The businesses will offer Scarecrow Fest related deals, specials and events and be featured on a Scarecrow Festival Map so individuals can take a Scarecrow Stroll to see the scarecrows and visit the St. Charles businesses.

Individuals looking to participate in the Scarecrow Contest can find the online and print applications at scarecrowfest.com/scarecrowcontest. Other events during Scarecrow Fest will be a Drive-In Concert in partnership with the St. Charles Park District, a scavenger hunt throughout the downtown, a pumpkin carver, who will be livestreamed from a roped area, and a photography station in Lincoln Park. There will also be an information booth at Lincoln Park.

There will also be items individuals can purchase and take home with them from the fest. Adults can enjoy a local Craft Beer Box, which will feature seasonal craft brews from all St. Charles breweries, while kids can enjoy Scarecrow in a Box, which provides materials to make a scarecrow at home. The Scarecrow in a Box will replace the traditional “Make-Your-Own- Scarecrow” station that is traditionally at the event.

More information and updates on Scarecrow Fest is available at scarecrowfest.com.