Scarecrow Fest in October to take on different look in St. Charles

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

The festival is set to take place from Oct. 9 to 11.

“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 to 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 instead will be spread around town to encourage social distancing and support local businesses.

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 application 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 also will be an information booth at Lincoln Park.

Individuals will be able to purchase and take home items from the fest. Adults can enjoy a local Craft Beer Box, which will feature seasonal craft brews from all St. Charles breweries. Children can enjoy Scarecrow in a Box, which provides materials to make a scarecrow at home. The Scarecrow in a Box will replace the Make Your Own Scarecrow station traditionally at the event.

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