Annual Scarecrow Festival, Sept. 27

18th Annual Scarecrow Festival set for Sept. 27

in downtown Dixon

} Annual event to feature Doggy Zoo, Funky Monkey Wrestling, The Great Pumpkin Patch and more

The 18th Annual Scarecrow Festival Presented by Hicks Insurance will be in downtown Dixon on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This year, the event will feature many of the fan favorites like: Pumpkin Painting, The Great Pumpkin Patch, Craft and Food Vendors, kid’s games, Doggy Zoo, Sauk Valley Bank Dunk Tank, and much more.

The festival entertainment stage will feature a special family-friendly performance by Funky Monkey Wrestling. Watch these WWE-style wresters compete in matches or come by for a photo and autograph. The ring will be set up at the corner of First and Hennepin Ave throughout the day.

"The Scarecrow Festival is definitely one of the great fall traditions in downtown Dixon," said Josh Albrecht, executive director of Dixon Main Street. "It is a great day for families to come and explore the downtown."

The festival is a favorite for families and kids with a wide selection of activities for children. Nearly 5,000 people are expected to attend this year's event.

The Doggy Zoo continues to grow in popularity, as well. With more than 80 different dog breeds on display, kids can learn about what makes each dog unique while they talk with the dog's owner. The Doggy Zoo takes place on the Old Lee County Courthouse Lawn from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Great Pumpkin Patch will be set up again, as families get to hunt for their gourd in a maze of pumpkins. And Habitat for Humanity will host their garage sale fundraiser, and the 4-H clubs will host their annual bake sale.

"Every year we continue to grow with new events during the festival," Albrecht said. "And we are excited that the traditional events stay with us year after year."

Also included during the Scarecrow Festival weekend this year will be a special showing of The Wizard of Oz on Friday, September 26 at dusk on the Riverfront. The Dixon Family YMCA and Life House Liberty Court are helping to make this fun family event a kick-off to the weekend of activities.

Then on Sunday, Sept. 28, come back downtown for the 13^th Annual Riverfront Classic Car Show from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year, the show will feature supercharged cars and trucks and remote control speed boat demonstrations. Food vendors will be on hand. There will be a beer garden and television for the Sunday football games.

For more information on the Scarecrow Festival, go online to www.dixonmainstreet.com or www.facebook.com/dixonmainstreet

A listing of some events at Scarecrow Festival

PUMPKIN PAINTING

Sponsored by Dixon Paint Company.

Presbyterian Church Kid’s Zone

Located at @ 110 E Third Street right by the Old Courthouse (next to the Doggy Zoo) there will be a free fun zone with games, bouncy house and snacks.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Fun Booth

Sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Church corner of Hennepin & First Street.

DOGGY ZOO

Located at the Lee County Courthouse lawn. Over 80 breeds of dogs will be on display with their owners to answer questions. 10 - 1 p.m.

Habitat For Humanity Garage Sale

Located at the Kenzley Title parking lot at the corner of Commercial Alley and Hennepin Ave.

FLOWER POT PAINTING

Sponsored by Lee County Master Gardeners.

Located in front of Town Square Center on First Street.

JEREMY ‘THE AMAZER’ HAAK – 10 AM–3 PM

Performance at 10 a.m. at the corner of First & Hennepin.

PALMYRA HILLBILLIES 4H BOOTH

Located on First Street between Hennepin & Galena Avenues on the south side of the street, the 4H will feature crafts and a bake sale.

RETAIL AND DINING SPECIALS

Come and Visit the variety of retail and dining options in downtown Dixon during Scarecrow Festival. Try some great food, find some great shopping bargains and enjoy our wonderful downtown

Movie at Dixon Theatre

 Sky Lantern Productions will be presenting a free community movie at the Historic Dixon Theater on Sept. 27th, giving a pleasant and enjoyable ending to this year's annual Dixon's Scarecrow Festival. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. Please join us early. There will be the added free showing of a short film, The Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club at 3:30 p.m. This is a family friendly short that will have you laughing and crying.To follow at 4:30 p.m. is the main feature, The War Within. This 2014 award winning motion picture gives a creative and suspenseful insight to the internal struggle in every person's life.

The GREAT DOWNTOWN PUMPKIN PATCH

The Great Downtown Pumpkin Patch featuring a field of pumpkins. Come and pick out your favorite pumpkin or try your luck at the Pumpkin Raffle. Enjoy homemade soaps, gourds, and other fall decorations!

VENDOR BOOTHS

A variety of craft vendors will be on display including Mary Kay, Thirty-One and more!