February 21, 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

Weekend Family Fun Guide

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

April 19Village of Ogden Adult Easter Egg Hunt 8 p.m. The Village of Ogden holds an adult egg hunt that...

Voges urges St. Joseph residents to celebrate America

July 3, 2020

July 3, 2020

World War II veteran Bruce Voges loves America. When he told his kids he wanted to have a Fourth of...

Short hopes to light up St. Joseph

December 8, 2020

December 8, 2020

Audrey Short wants to light up St. Joseph for Christmas. Short is urging the community to take part in a...

Read all about it: St. Joseph Record wants to digitize old print editions — and they need your help

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Local history projects are best told through community news sources. So Mary Butzow wants the St. Joseph community to step...

Around Town May 27-June 1

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

May 28 St. Joseph Village Board meeting 7 p.m. Village Hall 207 E. Lincoln SJO School Board 6 p.m. St....

Area Memorial Day events

May 25, 2019

May 25, 2019

Sunday Penfield, Gifford area The Penfield/Gifford American Legion Post 1153 and Auxiliary Unit 1153 will host ceremonies at 12:30 p.m....

‘I have absolutely loved portraying her’

April 3, 2022

April 3, 2022

Sophia McDade loves everything about the Addams Family production. The senior, who is acting in her second show with the...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

The Weekend Family Fun Guide is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events. May 18 1-4 p.m. Museum of the...

‘Helping them reach their potential is humbling and rewarding at the same time’

January 26, 2023

January 26, 2023

A performance today will culminate one of the most powerful artistic and personal experiences Justin Lee has had in his...

Ogden festival committee to meet tonight

March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

The Ogden Festival will be bigger and better this year if organizer Kelly Cooper has anything to say about it....

April 14, 2019

April 14, 2019

2019 Town-Wide Garage Sales: Ashland  April 20 Moweaqua  April 25-27 Blue Mound  April 26-27 Mt. Zion  April 26-27 Sherman  April...

Community comes together to ‘Back the Blackers’

March 26, 2022

March 26, 2022

John and Lori Blacker were a part of the St Joseph community for more than 20 years. Now the community...

Around town for Jan. 21-26

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Every week we will post a round-up of events for the following week. We call it Around Town. If you...

Ceremony to honor Edwards scheduled for Thursday

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

A Gift of Hope Flag raising ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St, Joseph-Ogden...

Rides available to fish fry

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

The mayor and some local residents are hoping more seniors can attend the St. Joseph Community Festival held Thursday, Friday...

Comments
Leave a Reply