St. Charles Scarecrow Contest Extends Entry Deadline

ST. CHARLES, IL — There’s still time to get creative for St. Charles’ annual Scarecrow Contest.

The St. Charles Business Alliance has extended the deadline for the 2026 Scarecrow Contest, giving businesses, organizations, families and individuals another opportunity to participate in the annual Scarecrow Weekend celebration Oct. 9-11 in downtown St. Charles.

Entries are now due by Tuesday, Sept. 22, and it’s free to enter.

“We typically do a ‘last call’ each year to give anyone who may have missed the original deadline one more opportunity to participate,” said Nicholas Lowe, marketing content coordinator for the St. Charles Business Alliance. “We want to make sure everyone who wants to create a scarecrow has the chance to be part of the contest.”

More than 100 scarecrows were entered in last year’s contest, and the Alliance expects roughly the same number this year.

Participants can enter in one of four categories:

• Mega/Mechanical: Open to everyone.
• Clubs/Not-For-Profit/Schools: Open to clubs, nonprofits and schools.
• Individual: Open to individuals and families not affiliated with a business or organization.
• Business: Open to businesses.

In the Business, Clubs/Not-For-Profit/Schools and Individual categories, first place earns $200, second place earns $150 and third place earns $100. The Mega/Mechanical category offers $500 for first place, $350 for second and $250 for third.

There are no major changes to the contest this year, Lowe said. Eventgoers will once again get a say in the competition, with voting available through the Travel St. Charles app and at information booths throughout the weekend.

Those interested in entering can complete an online application or download a printable entry form through scarecrowfest.com. Printed forms can be mailed or dropped off at the St. Charles Business Alliance, 2 E. Main St.