September 18, 2025 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 Chamber cancels egg hunt

February 16, 2021

February 16, 2021

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will not be holding its annual egg hunt. The hunt...

Mayor to host Halloween Parade

October 28, 2020

October 28, 2020

Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges is looking forward to a happy Halloween. The mayor will hold her annual Halloween Parade on Saturday...

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...

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...

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...

‘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...

Bringing Boston to St. Joseph: Jones to complete virtual marathon Monday throughout villages

September 5, 2020

September 5, 2020

Alison Jones has competed in the Boston Marathon before. On Monday, she will participate in the storied event — just...

St. Joseph Chamber announces Little Princess Candidates

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

Chloe TeareDaughter of Lacey Tearehttps://gofund.me/33cb22e1 Annah FiedlerDaughter of Mallory and Darren Fiedler https://gofund.me/ee2f024e Keeley Mackenzie McGuireDaughter of Regan and Kyle...

Community Garage sale information page

September 9, 2019

September 9, 2019

The St. Joseph Community Fall Garage Sales will take place Sept. 12-14. Find listings here. And here starting Thursday. The...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

June 24, 2019

June 24, 2019

Every week we select some events that would provide your family with some fun. This post is sponsored by Island...

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...

Willowdale Winter Wonderland to open tonight

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

The Willowdale subdivision north of St. Joseph has created a winter wonderland. Resident Lacey Smith organized the multi-night event which...

Weekend Family Fun Guide May 10-12

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

The Weekend Family Fun Guide is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events. May 10 SJO FFA Greenhouse Plant Sale3-7...

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...

Comments
Leave a Reply