120+ Scarecrows, Wienermobile Coming To Downtown St. Charles

ST. CHARLES, IL — More than 120 scarecrows will take over downtown St. Charles when the city's annual Scarecrow Weekend returns Oct. 9-11.

Now in its 41st year, the three-day fall festival will feature the popular Scarecrow Contest along with live music, children's activities, food, entertainment and appearances by the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and Ghostbusters. Many of the activities are free and geared toward families.

The Scarecrow Contest will run throughout the weekend, with more than 120 entries displayed along Riverside Avenue, Lincoln Park and First Street.

Visitors can vote for their favorites in four categories: Individual; Clubs/Not-for-Profits/Schools; Business; and Mega/Mechanical. Guests can cast one vote in each category and pick up an "I Voted" sticker at an information booth, according to the news release.

Lincoln Park will be transformed into the festival's Family Zone, featuring live music, dance teams, activity booths and roaming entertainment. Scheduled performers include the Leslie Hunt Band and Big Al Wetzel Band, while Ghostbusters characters are also expected to make an appearance.

More activities will be offered in the Activity Zone along Riverside Avenue between Main Street and Illinois Avenue. Attractions will include a rock-climbing wall, inflatable corn maze and John Measner Magic Truck.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is scheduled to make a special appearance Saturday.

First Street Plaza will host free live music throughout the weekend, including performances by The Frizz, Daddy Wasn't There and Phase V. Visitors will also find a "Fall in Love" photo spot and appearances by various mascots.

Additional activities near the Municipal Building will include Scarecrow-to-Go and Jurassic Park replica Jeeps available for photo opportunities. Food vendors will be set up throughout the festival area, including Just Kabobs, Taco Urbano, Kimmer's Ice Cream, Franklin's Hot Dogs and Windy Acres Farm. Downtown businesses are also planning specials and promotions during the weekend.

"Every year, we see Scarecrow Weekend continue to grow with new elements and even more participation in the Scarecrow Contest," St. Charles Business Alliance Executive Director Jenna Sawicki said. "It's amazing to see the community get together every year to celebrate the season in St. Charles, support local, and to admire all of the wonderful scarecrows that are on display for the event."

Scarecrow Weekend runs Oct. 9 through Oct. 11 in downtown St. Charles. Full entertainment schedules and additional event information are available online.