One of the big, fall festivals in Kane County — and the Midwest — tips off Friday in St. Charles.

Scarecrow Fest, which has been around now for more than a quarter century, draws tens of thousands of people from across America and is one of those must-see events of the season for residents from one end of Kane County to the other.

This year’s event, in a lot of ways, is bigger and better than ever, with four “zones” of activity throughout downtown St. Charles. The event runs from 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.

Click here for a downloadable brochure.

Scarecrow Fest is a four-time winner of the “Top 100 Events in North America,” and for good reason. According to the Scarecrow Fest website, the heart and soul of the festival is the Scarecrow Contest, which boasts 150+ hand-crafted scarecrows. Visitors view and vote for their favorite in each of six categories.

But there’s also live entertainment, an arts-and-crafts show, carnival, a petting zoo, a lot of delicious food, kids activities and a whole lot more. Parking is free, but you have to work at it a little.  Check out the shuttle buses, as well.

Here are some of the signature events, courtesy of the Scarecrow Fest website:

Scarecrow Contest Displays – Fri & Sat 10-9, Sun 10-5. Lincoln Park and Veterans Parking Lot (west of 3rd Street between State and Cedar). View and vote for your favorite Scarecrows. Ballots available at Lincoln Park Information Booth.

Live Entertainment – Enjoy live music and performances all three days at the Cadence Health, now part of Northwestern Medicine Entertainment Stage in Lincoln Park and the Downtown Entertainment Stage. See entertainment schedule for times and performance details.

Make Your Own Scarecrow –Fri 11-4, Sat & Sun 10-4. Fifth Third Bank Zone (Filling Station lot – west of 3rd Street between Cedar and Main Streets). Stuff and dress your own unique handmade scarecrow to take home. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own scarecrow clothing.

Autumn on the Fox Arts & Crafts Show – Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4.Pottawatomie Park

Blue Goose Market Harvest Homecoming – Fri-Sun, 10-9, Sun 10-5. Blue Goose Market, 300 S. 2nd Street, fresh market and local gathering spot featuring quality goods such as flowers, breads, and non-food items

Windy City Amusements Carnival – Thurs 6-10, Fri & Sat 12-10, Sun 11-6.2nd and Cedar Streets. $25 armband special Thurs 6-10, Fri 12-4.

Festival Food – Fri & Sat 11-8, Sun 11-5. Lincoln Park, Veterans Parking Lot and other locations. Savor the flavors of a wide variety of food vendors.

Daily Kids Activities – Fri & Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4. Municipal Parking Lot (east side of the Fox River behind City Hall)

MAP