May 2, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Ogden Harvest Festival to take place this weekend

A town tradition is taking place Saturday.

The Village of Ogden will hold its Harvest Festival from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Prairieview-Ogden South located on Rt. 49.

The event dates back before World War II, said chairperson Sue Esposito.

“That is the thing I most enjoy about the Harvest Fest—helping the community continue a tradition that dates back before World War II, she said. “Tradition is really important.”

Esposito said she has always had a soft spot for Halloween and has great memories of a haunted house eight graders put together on at the school when she was younger.

“It was super fun,” she said.

The Harvest Festival includes games and a costume contest.

The costume contest will start at 3 p.m.

Esposito said costumes play an important role in the event.

“The most favorite costume I ever wore was when I sprayed my hair pink and came as a scarecrow. All the volunteers dressed up that year as scarecrows. It was awesome,” she said. “The best costume I have ever seen was the year someone dressed like Big Bird.”

Costume Contest categories include infant to two years old, three to four years old, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third and fourth grade, fifth and sixth grade and seventh grade.

Those wearing a costume will get into the event free. Those not in costume will be charged a quarter.

The games will cost a quarter and the event will have three door prizes.

“The most popular game is the cake walk,” Esposito said. “The games are all really fun.”
Proceeds benefit the PVO PTO.

“People should come to the festival to support the community’s efforts to keep up a tradition,” Esposito said. “By participating they are helpIng the PVO PTO because all proceeds to directly to our children. It is an opportunity to have family fun and visit with your friends, relatives and neighbors.”

The event is starting an hour earlier than normal this year.

“This year we are opening our doors early and some games will be available,” she said. “A lot of people have worked hard to make this a fun time for everyone. You won’t be disappointed.”

Banner
Related Posts

St. Joseph resident Lewis to star in ‘Frozen Jr.’

September 21, 2019

September 21, 2019

Hayden Lewis loves to act. The St. Joseph Middle School student is participating in the The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board Feb. 22.2022

February 22, 2022

February 22, 2022

Discussing the proposed location of Philo Bank. Max Painter saying the lot has been vacant for a long time. Tami...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Every weekend we pick at least three events that we think are can’t miss for families in this area. This...

‘There was a spunk and tenacity to her that would never quit, concede or fail’

February 2, 2023

February 2, 2023

Tiffany Kelley was many things. A loving mother. A great friend. An inspiration and a fighter. The St. Joseph resident...

Around Town April 23-26

April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019

April 23Summer Camp Registration All Day Registration for summer camps at Homer Lake and Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves...

Spring Community Garage Sale dates set

January 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

The Spring St. Joseph Community Garage Sales will be held April 8, 9 and 10th. Participants select their own times...

Harper brings Wednesday Addams to life

April 2, 2022

April 2, 2022

The characters in the Addams Family are well known. But that didn’t stop the actors at St. Joseph-Ogden from putting...

Local towns schedule egg hunts

April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

April 13 St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt The Chamber of Commerce stuffs 1500 eggs with candy, stickers,...

Talk of the Town… Jim and Jen Wagner

August 6, 2019

August 6, 2019

Every week we ask a village resident or official three questions. This week we spoke to Jim and Jen Wagner...

Garage sale map

September 15, 2022

September 15, 2022

4 questions with C and C’S Pretties

August 11, 2023

August 11, 2023

What do you sell?What I sell is Hairbows, dish scrubbies, badge reels scrunched, and beaded pens and soon will offer...

Leemon to be honored Sunday

September 3, 2020

September 3, 2020

St. Joseph will honor one of its heroes on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. Sgt. Dustin Leemon of the United...

Christmas in St. Joseph events kick off this week

November 28, 2022

November 28, 2022

A young girl’s wish for a community Christmas tree started a town-wide holiday extravaganza that will kick off on Dec....

Festival committee cancels many events

June 15, 2020

June 15, 2020

The St. Joseph Community Festival will look a little different this year. Due to COVID-19, the three day festival is...

Planning underway for St. Joseph Festival

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

Carnival Arm BandsCarnival Arm Bands are for sale at Village Hall during business hours until August 7.The Arm Bands will...

Comments
Leave a Reply