The Great Akron Scarecrow Festival In Iowa Celebrates 25 Years
Fall in Iowa brings the beloved Great Akron Scarecrow Festival, which just celebrated its remarkable 25th anniversary.
What began in 1997 as a small community gathering has blossomed into one of the region’s most anticipated autumn traditions.
Thousands of visitors flock to this charming town each year to admire handcrafted scarecrows, enjoy seasonal treats, and make memories that last long after the leaves have fallen.
Humble Beginnings: The Birth of a Tradition
Back in 1997, local farmer Jim Hartley proposed a small scarecrow display to attract visitors to Akron’s struggling downtown shops.
Just twelve scarecrows lined Main Street that first year, handmade by local families using old clothes and hay from nearby farms.
The festival grew organically as word spread through neighboring communities.
By year five, over fifty scarecrows populated the town, each telling a unique story about Akron’s heritage and the creative spirits of its residents.
Community Craftsmanship: The Heart of the Festival
Every scarecrow tells a story! From historical figures to movie characters, local artists pour creativity into these straw-filled masterpieces.
Schools, businesses, and families compete annually for coveted ribbons in categories like “Most Creative” and “Best Historical Theme.”
Crafting workshops begin months before October, with seasoned scarecrow-makers mentoring newcomers.
Materials range from traditional burlap and straw to recycled items that transform ordinary objects into extraordinary art pieces capturing Akron’s community spirit.
Festival Evolution: From Small Display to Regional Attraction
What a journey these 25 years have been!
The festival now spans three days instead of one, attracting over 15,000 visitors annually to this town of just 1,500 residents. Food vendors, craft booths, and live entertainment have joined the scarecrow displays.
The addition of the Scarecrow Parade in 2005 brought a new dimension, featuring costumed participants and floats inspired by favorite scarecrows.
The night-time Scarecrow Illumination Tour, added in 2012, transformed the event into a round-the-clock celebration of autumn creativity.
Cultural Impact: How Scarecrows Transformed a Town
The festival’s economic impact cannot be overstated.
Hotel bookings jump up high, while year-round scarecrow-themed businesses have emerged, including the popular Straw & Stuff gift shop and Scarecrow Brewing Company.
Beyond economics, the festival has preserved local heritage.
The “Scarecrows of Our Past” section features figures representing Akron’s historical figures and Indigenous roots.
Schools incorporate scarecrow-making into art curricula, ensuring traditional crafting skills pass to new generations while fostering community pride that extends far beyond autumn’s golden days.
