Friday deadline for the new St. Charles Scarecrow Stroll contest

Due to COVID-19, the St. Charles Business Alliance will not be having the traditional Scarecrow festival. Instead the 2020 Scarecrow Stroll will take the place of the traditional event.

The Scarecrow Stroll will take place Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11.

St. Charles Business Alliance Executive Director Jenna Sawicki said the change is to make sure the public understands the changes are due to COVID-19.

"The Scarecrow Stroll is a new event and is very different and smaller due to COVID-19," Sawicki said. "So we thought it was important to explain the new event, so no one is surprised and expectations are set."

The Scarecrow Stroll will focus on the Scarecrow Contest, and also will feature a scavenger hunt throughout the downtown, a Craft Beer Box featuring seasonal beers from St. Charles breweries, and several mini-activities, including "Scarecrow In a Box."

There also will be a Drive-In Concert in partnership with the St. Charles Park District Thursday, Oct. 8, to kick off the weekend.

The focus also will be on safety and social distancing. There will be signage about following the guidelines throughout the city, as well as reminders to wear a face mask.

"We are excited to still work with the businesses and the community groups," Sawicki said. "We all need something to lift our spirits during current times. We hope that we have enough entries from the community to keep the spirit of the scarecrow alive and well in our community.

The St. Charles Business Alliance is now accepting applications for the 2020 St. Charles Scarecrow Stroll Scarecrow Contest.

Scarecrows will be spread throughout the town to encourage social distancing, while also supporting local businesses that will be paired with scarecrows.

Individuals, businesses, clubs, schools and not-for-profits interested in entering the contest may do so by completing and returning the Scarecrow Contest entry form by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. There is no entry fee.

Applications and information about the Scarecrow Stroll can be found at www.scarecrowfest.com.

The mission of the St. Charles Business Alliance is to drive economic growth to make the St. Charles Community a destination where people, businesses and tourism thrive. The Alliance produces the St. Charles Fine Art Show, Holiday Homecoming, Jazz Weekend, Scarecrow Festival and the St. Patrick's Parade.

For more information about the Alliance, visit www.stcalliance.org.