Countdown to St. Charles’ Scarecrow Festival begins
The annual event St. Charles is perhaps best known for kicks off this weekend with an expanded roster of entertainment for everyone who loves fall.
Handmade scarecrows are the centerpiece attraction for Scarecrow Fest, which draws up to 150,000 people. Lincoln Park, just off Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, will host the majority of the displays. There will also be one scarecrow display at the new municipal parking lot, the former VFW site, that will feature scarecrows designed to promote local businesses.
Organizers are trying to ratchet up the appeal of the fest even more this year by having four areas of live entertainment. That includes carnival-type performers who will be found on the east and west sides of the rivers. Lincoln Park will still host the main stage. Additional areas with performances will be located on First Street, between Main and Illinois streets; near city hall; and along the Riverwalk on the east bank.
The ice cream eating contest and Make Your Own Scarecrow event also return this year, along with the arts and crafts show, carnival rides and food vendors. Parking is available, with shuttle service from Charlestowne Mall and the remote lot at Illinois and Seventh streets. The festival runs Friday to Sunday, Oct. 11-13.
For details, visit scarecrowfest.com.