Annual Autumn Fest Geneva’s self-guided jack o’lantern walk returns Oct. 4.

The countdown to the sixth annual Autumn Fest Geneva’s self-guided jack o' lantern walk happening on Friday, Oct. 4, has begun.

Kristen Cornelio who grew up in the Tri-Cities and has always been passionate about supporting local businesses, I started my own social media and marketing company, Kristen Holly, LLC, five years ago. Since then, has had the pleasure of organizing this event each year.

This event has brought together over 80 downtown Geneva merchants who will be displaying glowing jack-’o-lanterns for families to enjoy and vote on. Stroll through downtown from 5 to 8 p.m. and discover these creative displays, with voting available in the following categories:

1. Most Creative Display

2. Most Spooky Display

3. Best Group (3 or more Jack-O’-Lanterns)

4. Most Photogenic/Selfies Taken at Display

5. Geneva-Themed Display

6. Most Interactive

7. Judge’s Pick

Kristen’s husband Eddie Cornelio helps her each year by creating the digital interactive map with a QR code to easily locate all the participating merchants. This map will be posting in the event page by Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Additionally, this year’s festivities align with the local First Fridays merchant event, where many businesses and restaurants will stay open later with exclusive in-store specials and fall menu highlights.

Autumn Fest headquarters will be located on the Kane County Courthouse lawn at the corner of James and Third streets, where we’ll have volunteers and myself available to answer any questions.

At the headquarters, there will be a fall-themed photo op area, sponsored by Alissa Tadic owner of Twee Partees, featuring a beautiful fall-themed balloon arch for the community to enjoy.

A special new attraction this year: Tiana from PumpkinCarver.Net LLC will be carving a 150-pound pumpkin from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the courthouse lawn. This incredible live carving experience is not to be missed.

Kristen would like to recognize the supporting sponsors who help made this event possible and to allow it to grow each year: Brush and Restore, Cravings, Harvey’s Tales, Anastazia, Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes Inc., Pärla, State Street Jewelers, Gia Mia, Livia Italian Eatery, Ella’s Italian Pub, Urban Artisan Geneva, Liz & Kate Boutique, Blinka Optical, Bee Coco Candle, Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary, Geneva Winery, Jennifer Kaye Photography, Dermatique Laser & Skin, Ken’s Auto Center Inc., Pure Barre Geneva, Hawaii Fluid Art, and Twee Partees.

Special thanks to Patty Donahue from Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes Inc. for creating the event trophies and a special event mug, which has been used for social media giveaways to generate excitement leading up to the event.

Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes, and many merchants will be decorating their storefronts to create a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

For more information and updates, follow on Instagram at @AutumnFestGeneva or on the Facebook event page.

Rain or shine, this event will go on.

For any questions, contact Kristen Cornelio, event coordinator, at kristenhollyevents@gmail.com.

Participating businesses include over 80 local businesses:

1.) Anasatazia

2.) Gia Mia- Geneva location

3.) Cravings

4.) State Street Jewelers

5.) Liz & Kate Boutique

6.)Nosh

7.) Alchemist

8.) Blinka Optical

9.) Ella’s Italian Pub

10.) The Little Traveler

11.)The Hive Wellness Center

12.) Geneva Bank & Trust

13.) Midwest Nice

14.) Harvey’s Tales

15.) Pärla

16.) Bee Coco Candle

17.) Stitch Switch Men’s Consignment

18.) Geneva Public Library

19.) Pure Barre- Geneva studio

20.) Preservation

21.) Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary

22.) Nemec Brothers Pizzeria

23.) Jennifer Kaye Photography

24.) Cross Fit Kokua

25.) Country Naturals

26.) Atlas Chicken Shack

27.) Art History Brewing

28.) Always In Style

29.) Bare Moxie

30.) Pixies on Main

31.) Hawaii Fluid Art

32.) The Winding Deerpath

33.) Urban Artisan Geneva

34.) Bell Jar Vintage

35.) Eye Candy Bake Shop

36.) Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream

37.) Egg Harbor Cafe

38.) Inluro

39.) Gather Bakery

40.) Grow Geneva

41.) Flair on Third

42.) Lauren Christine Hair Artistry + Spa

43.) Montage Salon & Spa

44.) Brush and Restore

45.) Dermatique Laser & Skin

46.) Cocoon

47.) The Royal Wren

48.) Geneva Winery

49.) Elements Massage- Geneva

50.) Always Growing

51.) Evernia

52.) House of 423

53.) Crystal Life Technology, Inc.

54.) Iris + Grace Children’s Boutique

55.) Little Red Barn Door

56.) JADE

57.) Geneva Chamber of Commerce

58.) Penrose Brewing

59.) Tinker Belz Art

60.) Vargo’s Dance Studio

61.) Little Barn Baby

62.) Livia Italian Eatery

63.) DS Studio & Photo Lab

64.) Concierge Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery

65.) Fair Game

66.) Blondell & Company

67.) Firewater BBQ & Brew

68.) Ken’s Auto Center, Inc.

69.) Kernel’s Gourmet Popcorn & more

70.) Denise’s Adornments

71.) Josef’s Elegante Meats & Deli

72.) Revenge Medspa & Wellness

73.) The Gift Box

74.) Craft Urban

75.) The Uncommon Find

76.) Bare All Beauty Bar

77.) Oak + Rose Tea Room

78.) Geneva Ace Hardware

79.) Prime IV Hydration & Wellness

80.)The Walrus Room

81.) The State Bank of Geneva

Join us for a night of fun, fall festivities, and community small business spirit.