Scarecrow Stroll will feature scarecrow displays, scavenger hunt

ST. CHARLES – With the annual Scarecrow Fest being downsized this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event will also take on a different name.

The Scarecrow Stroll will take the place of the traditional event. The Scarecrow Stroll is set to take place from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Scarecrow Stroll is being organized by the St. Charles Business Alliance.

To kick off the event, there will be a drive-in concert from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at James O. Breen Community Park featuring the band The Four C Notes. The concert is in partnership with the St. Charles Park District

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at stcparks.org/drivein-concerts

The Scarecrow Stroll will focus on a scarecrow contest, where local individuals, groups and businesses will place more than 50 decorated and themed scarecrows in front of or along St Charles businesses. A map is provided on the Alliance's website and at the information booth, which will be located in front of the Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St.

• A fall photo opportunity area will be located behind the old BMO Harris Bank building along Riverside Avenue.

• A scavenger hunt throughout the downtown will feature specials from downtown businesses.

• A craft beer box featuring seasonal beers from St. Charles breweries is available to order on the Alliance's website. In person pick up will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at D & G Brewing Co., 303 N. 4th St. and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Pollyanna Brewing Co., 106 S. Riverside Ave.

All proceeds will go to the St. Charles Breakfast Rotary Club, which supports many area organizations.

• The Scarecrow in a Box booth will be located behind the old BMO Harris Bank building along Riverside Avenue. Visitors can purchase a Scarecrow in a Box kit to take home for $5 from local Boy Scout Troop 60. Kits include clothing, hay, twine and stockings.

• From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, a live pumpkin carver will be at the St. Charles History Museum, 215 E. Main St.

The focus will be on safety and social distancing. There will be signage throughout the city about following the guidelines as well as reminders to wear facemasks.

The event would not be possible without the support of community sponsors, including: St. Charles Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, Griffin Williams LLP, McNally’s Heating and Cooling, Metronet, Lakeshore Recycling and In-Towne Self Storage.