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MY SUN DAY NEWS

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Scarecrow Festival

By Brad Wagner

ST. CHARLES – There is a chill in the air. The leaves are starting to turn colors. The days are getting shorter. No doubt about it, fall has arrived. What better way to celebrate the fall season than with a befitting festival. Clear your calendars because on October 7 through 9 the Scarecrow Festival of St. Charles will be in full swing.

(Photo provided)

(Photo provided)

This festival was named one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association for the years of 2007, 2009, and 2011. The ABA is an organization that tour operators and group tour planners use. They are the large groups that come in on the motor coach buses.

“St. Charles as always been popular with the group tour market,” said Jenny O’Brien Marketing Manager for the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The scarecrow contest display started 25 years ago. The display [will be] in Lincoln Park. It is free to enter. For businesses … it is a great way to promote their business. There are six categories, people can view and vote for their favorites, and the winners are announced on Sunday, October 9 at 5 p.m. Last year we had 150 entries. There are cash prizes, and businesses have a chance to win a free advertisement in the Kane County Chronicle,” said O’Brien.

Some of the most popular attractions at Scarecrow Fest are a make-your-own scarecrow that is run by a local Boy Scout troupe. It is two dollars per scarecrow.

Subhead: Scarecrow Festival

Where: Lincoln Park in St. Charles, just off First Street in downtown St. Charles

When: October 7 to 9

More info: scarecrowfest.com

First Street in St. Charles will be home to a bevy of activity for the festival.

“[We will have pony rides] on First Street. [It will be] five dollars [per ride],” said O’Brien.

Also on First Street, “There is canine corner … an area devoted to pet-friendly vendors, dog rescue groups, and some [pet-related] entertainment. We will have doggy Olympics on Friday. People can enter their dogs or just come and watch. That is from 12-5 p.m. On Saturday, we will have wiener dog races. Petco will have a costume contest for the dogs. Throughout the weekend, there will be training demonstrations,” said O’Brien. On the plaza [of First Street], we will be having a fall photo op with the St. Charles East cheerleaders. For a small donation to the cheerleaders, people can get a fall-themed photo taken.”

This year the festival added The Great Taste of St. Charles. It will be held in the municipal center lot. It will consist of restaurants only in the greater St. Charles area.

“We are excited to highlight the unique and exciting restaurants [of the greater St. Charles area],” said O’Brien.

Another attraction that was added this year was two entertainment stages. The schedule for the stages as well as the brochure and map, which lists all of the events dates and times, is on the website, www.scarecrowfest.com. There are also park and shuttle locations for the festival located on the website.

“We have trolleys that run throughout the festival. They make stops at all of the festival’s event locations,” said O’Brien.

The Scarecrow Festival will run through October 7 through 9 in St. Charles. For a full list of all events, parking information, and anything else you’d like to know, head to www.scarecrowfest.com.





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