In the Hay at Scarecrow Weekend
October 23, 2022
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.
