Side roads: Scarecrow orchards

Scarecrow orchards

By Melissa D. Boyd, Star Tribune

Last update: September 9, 2007 - 12:35 AM

Bayfield, Wis.

As the air turns crisp and the harvest season continues, the Bayfield Scarecrow Festival gets underway Oct. 15 and runs through Oct. 31. Thirteen orchards participate in the event, in which visitors make their own scarecrows, enter the contest and vote on entries. Families can pick apples, take in an apple pressing demonstration, enjoy a hayride or take a ghost walking tour. (1-715-779-3335; www.bayfield.org.)

Fried-food frenzy

Grand Forks, N.D./ East Grand Forks, Minn.

Potatoes are a featured attraction at Potato Bowl USA Monday through Saturday in the Red River Valley towns. Brave eaters can fill up at the world's largest French fry feed, the baked potato bar or the potato pancake breakfast. On Saturday, a parade precedes the kickoff of the University of North Dakota's football season (1-218-773-3633; www.potatobowl.org.)

Abundant arts

Ames, Iowa

The Octagon Art Festival on Sept. 23 is a feast for the young and young at heart. More than 100 artists will present their creations for show and sale. Performance arts on two stages include dancing, singing and music. There will be children's activities and healing-arts demonstrations, and the culinary arts will be present with a wide selection of cuisine from local vendors 1-515-232-5331; www.octagonarts.org.)

Fall fest

Baudette, Minn.

Octoberfest, Sept. 21-23, will fill the air with the warm aromas of authentic German food, and a chance to polka to live music. A craft fair and other themed activities also highlight the event. (1-800-382-3474; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.)