CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA — October 9, 2025 — Together We Achieve and Made in Iowa invite the community to join a day where creativity meets compassion. The annual Scarecrow Festival Food Drive — part of the Made in Iowa Fall Market and Scarecrow Festival — takes place Saturday, October 18 at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, benefiting Together We Achieve and raising awareness and support for hunger relief across Eastern Iowa.
Festival goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations and 10% of all ticket proceeds will benefit Together We Achieve’s food pantry and meal programs serving local families in need. The event showcases more than 50 creative scarecrows crafted by local artists and organizations — each designed to inspire, entertain, and spotlight the ongoing fight against food insecurity. The event also features the Made in Iowa Fall Market with 150 Iowa vendors, delicious food options, and the welcoming community spirit that defines every Made in Iowa market. A list of acceptable food items can be found at https://scarecrowfestival.org/TogetherWeAchieve/
“Fall should be a time of warmth and comfort,” said Raymond Siddell, Executive Director of Together We Achieve. “Partnering with Made in Iowa lets us remind families across Eastern Iowa that they’re not alone – and that we’re building something better together.”
“This festival combines artistry, purpose, and community,” said Cynthia Freese, organizer of Made in Iowa. “Every ticket sold and every can of food donated helps fill local pantries and brings us one step closer to ensuring that no one in our area goes hungry.”
“We’ve spent our lives scaring off crows,” said Bea Thistle, Head of Outreach and Garden Relations, Scarecrows Against Hunger. “It’s time we scared off hunger instead.”
Event Details
📍 Location: Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, 4400 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕘 Time: 9 AM – 3 PM
💲 Admission: $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free
🎟️ Tickets: https://ScarecrowFestival.org/tickets/
🚗 Free Parking
🌽 See the Market Vendors: https://ScarecrowFestival.org/vendors/
About Scarecrows Against Hunger
Scarecrows Against Hunger is a grassroots campaign rooted in compassion, community, and a whole lot of straw. Founded by a quirky coalition of field-dwellers, the organization mobilizes scarecrows from across Iowa to raise awareness and support for local food insecurity initiatives. Standing still for change. Rustling up kindness. https://ScarecrowsAgainstHunger.org
About Together We Achieve
Together We Achieve is committed to fighting food insecurity and fostering a resilient, thriving community. Through their choice food pantry, Meals to Go program, and holiday meal box distributions, they provide low-barrier access to essential resources for families in need.
Together We Achieve is committed to fighting food insecurity and fostering a resilient, thriving community. Through their choice food pantry, Meals to Go program, and holiday meal box distributions, they provide low-barrier access to essential resources for families in need.
About Made in Iowa
Made in Iowa curates high-quality vendor markets celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of Iowa’s makers. Events regularly feature 150+ vendors from dozens of communities statewide and attract thousands of attendees. Upcoming Made in Iowa events include Oct. 18, Nov. 29–30, Dec. 20–21, Jan. 31–Feb. 1, and April 18, with the Made for Her Market on March 14, 2026.
Learn more at https://MadeInIowa.org .
Made in Iowa curates high-quality vendor markets celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of Iowa’s makers. Events regularly feature 150+ vendors from dozens of communities statewide and attract thousands of attendees. Upcoming Made in Iowa events include Oct. 18, Nov. 29–30, Dec. 20–21, Jan. 31–Feb. 1, and April 18, with the Made for Her Market on March 14, 2026.
Learn more at https://MadeInIowa.org .
CONTACT
Cynthia Freese, cynthia@madeiniowa.org or 319-775-0458