Every autumn, cities throughout our region organize fun, family-friendly festivals to celebrate the season, increase tourism, and provide wholesome entertainment options for locals and visitors alike. One of the region’s best is Dixon’s Scarecrow Festival, returning downtown Dixon Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The annual event spans six blocks on Hennepin Avenue and First Street with more than 100 booths and activities, including crafters, pumpkin painting, street performers, games, donut eating contests, a petting zoo, face painting, flowerpot decorating and pumpkin bowling.
“It’s truly something for all ages to enjoy, from the shopping at the downtown stores to the booths full of kid games, to the petting zoo, Dixon Municipal Band performances and more,” says Lucas Pauley, marketing director of Discover Dixon.
One can’t-miss activity is watching “pumpkin race cars” battle to be named the fastest racer down Hennepin Avenue at the annual Pumpkin Derby. The battle takes place at 1 p.m. between First and Second Streets.
Those wishing to get a head start on holiday shopping can find sales and specials at downtown shops during the day. Meanwhile, the Dixon Municipal Band treats crowds to performances along the riverfront, and there are also food trucks located throughout the festival grounds.
“We love seeing so many people visit our downtown and riverfront – having fun with their families and friends,” Pauley says.
And, of course, the festival’s name comes from the countless scarecrows setting the scene throughout downtown. Local businesses and organizations put their creativity on display every year by decorating scarecrows that impress visitors throughout the festival.
“There’s always so much creativity on display from not only the vendors, but also the countless scarecrows that adorn the downtown that week,” Pauley says. “Local business and organizations create some truly unique and interesting displays that never fail to amaze us each year.”
A map outlining the major activities at Scarecrow Festival is available at discoverdixon.com the week before the event. For more information, visit the website or call (815) 284-3361.
In addition to Scarecrow Festival, Dixon is already preparing for other fun, family-friendly events that are coming up in the near future.
“There’s Treat Street Parade & Palooza on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 6,” Pauley says. “Also, there will be our annual Shop Small Saturday events on Saturday, Nov. 30.”
Information on all of these events and more is available at discoverdixon.com. ❚