Scarecrow Fest returns Saturday

Phelps’ popular fall tradition, Scarecrow Fest, returns for its 16th year this Saturday, Sept. 13, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Phelps by the lake.

“This year is shaping up to be another great event in Phelps,” said organizer Mary Ann Holcomb. “The traditional Woman’s Club free chili, pumpkin chuckin’, wine tasting, quilt show, and basket raffle are all set to go.”

Other activities include craft vendors, a fine arts show, free children’s activities coordinated by the Phelps Library, the Snag-a-Bag Boutique, and a fall mum sale. Holcomb said the boutique of slightly used designer purses and jewelry is twice as big as last year, and more than 50 craft vendors are scheduled.

Raffle basket drawings will be held at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Phelps Woman’s Club tent, with 50/50 drawings starting at 11 a.m. Attendees can also enter for a chance to win a 2024 Green Bay Packers team-signed football.

Food, beer, and the free chili are favorites, along with the homemade wine tasting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by Shannon Hauser and Friends and DJ Marc Ralston.

Spooktacular Car Show

The fourth annual Spooktacular Car Show takes place on the grassy area behind the ice cream shop. “This year, the car show has been moved downtown for easier access,” said Holcomb. There is no entry fee or pre-registration required, and registration for vintage or classic cars and motorcycles remains open until 11 a.m.

Voting runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with trophies awarded at 3 p.m. The first 50 vehicles to register will receive a commemorative dash plaque. People’s choice trophies will be awarded for Best of Show, Most Unique, and Spooktacular Decor. For questions, contact Dick Ryan at 715-545-3542 or 715-891-5296.

Supporting the community

Scarecrow Fest is sponsored by the Phelps Woman’s Club. All proceeds stay local, supporting the Eleanor Ellis Public Library, Project Santa, local food pantries, community projects and events, the Kindness Krew, and local scholarships.

“Come join us for a fun-filled day and enjoy the scarecrows,” said Holcomb.
Admission and parking are free. ATVs and golf carts will shuttle attendees from parking areas to the festival, and handicap parking is available behind the Phelps Historical Museum on Highway E. For more information, call 715-522-0535.

Upcoming area events

Several other seasonal festivals are happening in the North Woods this fall:

Sept. 20, Colorama 2025 — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Germain Community Park. This 67th annual Colorama features crafters, a farmers market, a mum sale, kids’ pumpkin painting, food from the St. Germain Northwoods Lions Club, live music, booths from local not-for-profits, plus Pints in the Park and the Fall Cruisin’ Car and Truck Show. Phone: 715-477-2205.

Sept. 20, LOLA Art Harvest — 10 a.m.–2 p.m., VFW grounds. A collaboration between the Land O’ Lakes Community Garden and Land O’ Lakes Arts (LOLA), this event will feature vendors, art displays, butternut squash soup and mini-muffins served by the garden, a community art project, and plant-related demonstrations. Phone: 715-547-3950.

Sept. 20, Colorama Dinner — 6-8 p.m., Camp Manito-wish YMCA, 5650 Camp Manito-wish Lane, Boulder Junction. The Boulder Junction Lions Club hosts this plated dinner with entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit 18 different area youth programs and scholarships. Tickets are being sold in tables of 10. Doors open at 5 p.m. Phone: 414- 345-0826 (Steve Weber) or 703-967-2954 (Ian Brown).

Sept. 20, Harvest Festival — 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Koller Park, Manitowish Waters. The Manitowish Waters Harvest Festival is an outdoor event showcasing a variety of local vendors, food, and drinks as a kick-off to the fall season and the start of the cranberry harvest in the area. Phone: 715-543-8488.

Sept. 20, Oktoberfest — 11 a.m.-4 p.m., downtown Three Lakes. Three Lakes Oktoberfest will offer a variety of food, entertainment, and vendors on both Superior Street and W. School Street, including German fare and beer, a pig roast, the Pommersche Danz Gruppe performing German folk dances in authentic costumes, and Jim Pekol and his band playing polka tunes. Phone: 715-546-3344.