Scarecrows, apples and pies, oh my!

Only one day remaining until the 20th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in Downtown Crystal Lake. This year's event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.

Crystal Lake's largest one-day event invites families and the community to celebrate Fall.  

Activities for the day include live music, entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin train, pumpkin bowling, clowns, face painting, story telling, temporary tattoos, wagon rides, Farmers Market, and more.

Great Ball Race at 3 p.m.: Watch as hundreds of numbered balls roll down Brink Street. Spectators can purchase raffle tickets with numbers that coordinate with those on the brightly colored balls. The first ball to make it down the street delivers a a $1,000 grand prize to its purchaser. Runner-ups will win merchandise and gift certificates provided by downtown merchants. 

Meet "Johnny Appleseed" as he strolls the streets of downtown, telling his story.

Craft Fair: A Craft Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ormsby Motors' parking lot. Dozens of vendors will be selling unique handmade items including quilts, painted rocks, jewelry, fabric tote bags, crocheted items, and holiday decorations to.

Demonstrations: The Crystal Lake Historical Society will present demonstrations of an antique apple cider press and apple peeler.

Plus, there'll be music, dance and martial arts demonstrations. Guests can also a free juggling, magic and Yo-Yo show peformed by RC Juggles.

Pie Baking Contest: Register early, only a limited number of pies will be accepted! Click here for registration information and rules.  

Music: "The Beaumonts" will play at Brink Street Market througout the day.  For a rockin' good time, the band "Triadd" is performing from noon to 3 p.m. at the Gazebo in Depot Park, next to the train station.