The St. Charles Police Department is giving drivers a heads up about the crowds, the streets and the parking the upcoming 2017 St. Charles Scarecrow Festival in downtown St. Charles.

The event takes place Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, and it’s earning a reputation as one of the most popular fall festivals in the country.

“The festival is expected to produce heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the downtown area,” Sgt. Rich Clark said in a Wednesday news release. “Parking will be limited. Festival attendees are encouraged to carpool and use the Remote Park and Shuttle Lots.”

West Side Park and Shuttle Lots

• Haines Middle School — 9th Street and Indiana Street
• School District 303 Administration Lot — 7th Street and Illinois Street (5 p.m. to 9:30 pm. Friday only)
• Thompson Middle School — 7th Street and West Main Street

East Side Park and Shuttle Lot

• The Quad (formerly Charlestowne Mall), Parking lot “G” — 3800 E. Main St.

Closed Municipal Parking Lots and Days in Effect

• River Plaza Lot — North 2nd Street (Route 31) and Cedar Street/State Street (Wednesday through Sunday)
• VFW Lot — North 3rd Street and Cedar Street/State Street (Wednesday through Monday)
• Old St. Charles Court Lot — Cedar Street and North 3rd Street/4th Street, (Thursday through Sunday)
• Municipal Center Lot — 100 block North Riverside Avenue (Thursday through Sunday)
• North Riverside Lot — Riverside Avenue north of State Avenue and adjacent to the Police Department (Thursday through Sunday)

Street Closures and Days in Effect

• North 3rd Street between Cedar Street and State Street (Wednesday through Sunday)
• North 3rd Street between Main Street and Cedar St., Friday through Sunday
• North 4th Street between West Main Street and Cedar Street (Thursday through Sunday)
• North 5th Street between West Main Street and Cedar Street (Thursday through Sunday)

Parking will be restricted / prohibited on a number of city streets. Additional handicap parking will be posted on North 5th Street, North 4th Street, and North Riverside Avenue. Motorists are encouraged to check for signs before parking. Handicap parking areas will be strictly enforced with a $250 fine.

St. Charles Police Department and Emergency Management personnel will be providing pedestrian assistance/traffic control at key intersections. Motorists should expect delays and are reminded to use caution due to the increased amount of pedestrian traffic.

“Please do not drive distracted,” Clark said.

SOURCE: St. Charles Police Department news release

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One of Fall’s Big Events — Scarecrow Fest — Set For Oct. 6-8 in St. Charles