February 9, 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

Alumni banquet to be held

October 25, 2021

October 25, 2021

The 2021 SJO Alumni banquet will be held Nov. 13 at the Royal Community Building. The event starts at noon...

St. Joseph Fall 2023 Garage Sale Lists

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

1. 2248 Churchill Saturday September 30th  7am to 3pm  2.  102 N 7th Street 3 family garage sale. 3. 1705...

Wagle reaches out of her comfort zone

April 3, 2022

April 3, 2022

Alayna Wagle loves Halloween. So the Addams Family spooky motif is right up her alley. “I was pretty familiar with...

‘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...

‘As long as you put the effort into it, it can be achieved’

July 19, 2024

July 19, 2024

Logan Allen has loved Barry Manilow’s music his entire life. Allen’s mother was a huge Manilow fan. “When she had...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

This post is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events On Saturday, St. Joseph plays host to hundreds of runners...

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...

Wheelhouse steps up to help community

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

Abbie Layden-Rogiers and her husband Ryan Rogiers have always wanted to help the community. The owners of The Wheelhouse in...

Winter storm closures

February 15, 2021

February 15, 2021

CLOSEDHomer Lake, Lake of the Woods, Middle Fork River, River Bend, and Sangamon River Forest Preserves, as well as remote...

Painter ‘making a difference’ during his time in St. Joseph

December 20, 2019

December 20, 2019

Max Painter loves to serve his community. Painter, who was appointed to the St. Joseph Village Board in August, said...

Christie Clinic Shootout in St. Joseph still on, but SJO won’t play

January 11, 2020

January 11, 2020

The heavy rainfall that hit St. Joseph on Friday night and into Saturday morning, along with the potential for severe...

Allen reflects on Addams Family performance

April 6, 2022

April 6, 2022

Logan Allen loved performing with his friends. Allen played Lucas in the Addams Family which the St. Joseph-Ogden Drama Department...

St. Joseph Chamber holding Little Prince and Princess contest

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is looking for children to participate in the Little Prince and Princess Contest. Children...

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...

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