Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles: Tradition and Community Fun

Kathleen Lao, a new resident of St. Charles, found an annual attraction she plans to revisit repeatedly. Despite living locally for just two months, Lao expressed her excitement about the Scarecrow Weekend festival. “We recently moved here and found out about this scarecrow festival and it’s just wonderful,” she commented while admiring the hay-stuffed creations that decorated Riverside Avenue.

The festival showcases colorful scarecrows and autumn activities, organized by the St. Charles Business Alliance and sponsors. This marks the 41st year of the Scarecrow Weekend, a three-day event continuing through Sunday. More than 120 scarecrows line the downtown area, complemented by live music, children’s activities, food, and entertainment options.

A press release by the St. Charles Business Alliance highlights a scarecrow contest with visitors voting in four categories for their favorite creations—individuals, clubs, not-for-profits, and businesses. Lincoln Park transforms into the festival’s Family Zone, featuring live music, dance teams, activity booths, and roaming entertainment.

Executive Director Jenna Sawicki noted the scarecrow count slightly surpasses last year. “This is the highest total we’ve had since COVID,” Sawicki stated. The enduring popularity of the festival is attributed to community celebration and the enjoyment of fall weather.

Monique Hillestad of Hanover Park attended with her 10-week-old son, underscoring the event’s family-oriented appeal. “I know he’s too young to do anything now, but we enjoy the decorations and pumpkins,” she shared.

Longtime resident Cristin Wetzel, with close to a decade in St. Charles, regularly attends the fest with her family. “This is a free fun thing for the kids. There’s something for all ages. It spreads out across the area, encouraging exploration and interaction,” Wetzel observed. Her 9-year-old daughter Maeve also enjoys the festivities, with favorites including the corn maze, painting pumpkins, and the amusing scarecrows.

The free community event attracts approximately 80,000 visitors over its duration—a testament to its widespread appeal and engaging offerings.