In the Hay at Scarecrow Weekend
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Gordy Tobutt, also known as “Glowby the Bubbler,” swings a net filled with bubble solution in St. Charles’ Lincoln Park during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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Attendees gather in Pottawatomie Park for the craft fair during Scarecrow Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022
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Stephanie, left, and Morrison (3) Rekas of Lake in the Hills color a paper mask at the J & R Herra Home Services tent in St. Charles’ Lincoln Park during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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Joey Wilbur of St. Charles performs in St. Charles’ Lincoln Park during Scarecrow Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.
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A straw snail entitled “Die Schnecke” created by Chris and Cecilia Mann of Rockford sits on Riverside Avenue in St. Charles during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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Bell Graham Elementary School’s Bobcat-Ross scarecrow sits on Riverside Avenue in St. Charles during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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Carl Trunko, left, of Lockport enjoys bubbles with his grandson Abel Chavez-Trunko (2) in St. Charles’ Lincoln Park during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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John Melton of Melton’s Concessions fills a bag with kettle corn in Pottawatomie Park on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022
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Gina Garofalo of New Lennox hands a customer a bandanna at the “Rusty Nail Home” booth in Pottawatomie Park on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022
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St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s scarecrow sits at their booth in St. Charles’ Lincoln Park during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 of St. Charles sits in St. Charles’ Lincoln Park during Scarecrow Weekend on Oct. 8, 2022.
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Scarecrow Weekend attendees walk next to Main St. in St. Charles on Oct. 8, 2022.
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A pumpkin carved with the logo of St. Charles is displayed in front of Professional Pumpkin Carver Marc Solomon’s tent on Riverside Avenue during Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.
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Gloria Martinez, left, and Henry Anderson of St. Charles checkout metal artwork in the Custom Metal Art tent in Pottawatomie Park on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022
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The 37th annual Scarecrow Weekend was hosted in Saint Charles from Friday Oct. 7 to Sunday Oct. 9. The festival displayed over 85 scarecrows, each made by local community members. The Weekend also hosted a craft fair with more than 100 craft booths, featuring handmade jewelry, artisanal signage, holiday decorations, and more.
Attendees went to and from the craft booths over the course of the weekend. One booth, known as Sew Special, has been in business for 32 years. At the booth, Roselle resident Joan Sawicky sells her hand-sewn dolls, crafted in the likenesses of adorable witches and vampires.
“When I was little, my grandma taught me to sew,” Sawicky said. “I’ve been sewing my whole life.”
Sawicky explained why she chooses to sell her goods at Scarecrow Weekend.
“It’s a fun spot,” Sawicky said. “My customers know I come here, so I’ve got a following here.”
Another booth in attendance was Candle Envy. They sell hand-poured candles that are both soot and toxin-free and are able to be refilled.
“They are works of art,” said Buffalo Grove resident Kim Barnard, the head of Candle Envy’s business. “Instead of burning it and throwing it away, you can just keep the candle and buy the inserts. Much more affordable, economical, and it’s a renewable source.”
Barnard has been running Candle Envy for 20 years now.
Scarecrow Weekend’s attendees came from nearby towns to participate the festivities.
The Fisher family comes all the way from Schaumburg to attend the Weekend.
“We wanted to come check it out – it’s a tradition for us,” said Barb Fisher.
The Whittingtons, a resident family of Saint Charles, came to the Weekend simply because it was something fun to do in town.
“I’ve been coming every year since we moved to Saint Charles,” said Suzanne Whittington.
Hello! My name is Kip Kane, I use they/them pronouns, and I am a second-year student at ECC. I am a first-year staff writer for the Observer. I am an avid...
