Applications now open to enter St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend

A tall, colorful scarecrow attracts attention at the Annual Scarecrow Festival in Lincoln Park in St. Charles on Friday, October 6, 2023. The event runs through the weekend with family activities and a chance to vote for your favorite scarecrow.

St. Charles’ annual Scarecrow Weekend will return from Oct. 11-13 in downtown St. Charles. Those wishing to participate can apply through Sept. 15.

The event is hosted by the St. Charles Business Alliance. Applications can be submitted through their website. Printable PDFs also are available online and can be dropped off or mailed to the St. Charles Business Alliance at 2 E. Main St. by Sept. 15.

Categories for the Scarecrow Contest:

• Mega/Mechanical category – open to all

• Clubs/Not-For-Profit/Schools category – open to all clubs, not-for-profits and schools

• Individual category – open to all individuals and families not affiliated with a business or organization

• Business category – open to all businesses

Prizes will be awarded for each category:

• Mega/Mechanical – first place receives $500, second place receives $350 and third place receives $250

• All other categories – first place receives $200, second place receives $150 and third place receives $100.

Voting will take place in person during event hours.

For more information on Scarecrow Weekend, visit www.scarecrowfest.com. For other inquiries, call the St. Charles Business Alliance at 630-443-3967.