The inaugural Oglesby Harvest Fest scarecrow contest, which will offer three cash prizes, is one of many events planned for the Saturday, Oct. 3 downtown festival.

Children"s games, crafts, a farmers' market, a kiddie tractor pull and merchant sidewalk sales will take place 9 to 11 a.m., with the market continuing until 1 p.m. The kiddie tractor pull will begin at 11 a.m.

Nonprofit organizations, families, and individuals can compete for cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 by building and displaying scarecrows. Business entries, although not eligible for cash prizes, are also encouraged. The winners will be announced at the community dinner held later that day.

Each entry will be assigned a specific location -- near a city light pole — to set up. Poles can be used to support scarecrows, which must be in place by 9 a.m. Saturday for judging and removed by 7 p.m.

Entry forms are available at City Hall or can be requested via e-mail to oglesby.ecdev@gmail.com. Forms must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 1, to be considered for judging. For more information, call the office of the Economic Development/Tourism coordinator at 815-883-9722.