Clark State’s Project Jericho brings science fiction to Springfield

Science fiction is coming to life in downtown Springfield this October as Project Jericho families, local artists, businesses, schools and community organizations transform scarecrows into robots, aliens and other futuristic creations.

Project Jericho’s 16th annual Project Scare-A-Crow installation will be on display Oct. 1-22 at National Road Commons park, 50 W. Main St., as part of a partnership with National Trail Park District. This year’s theme, “Future Focused: Works of Science Fiction,” invites participants to bring some of the most imaginative ideas from science fiction to life.

Six Project Jericho families are working with six local artists to create scarecrows for this year’s exhibit including an avatar, a robot and an alien or two.

The community is invited to visit National Road Commons park throughout October to see the creations and vote for a favorite. First-, second- and third-place winners will be announced on Project Jericho and National Trail’s social media platforms on Oct. 29.

The scarecrow installation is part of a longtime Clark State College tradition that brings Project Jericho families and the broader community together through art and creativity.

Project Jericho began creating its annual scarecrow installation in downtown Springfield 16 years ago. During its first five years, Project Jericho families created the entire display, which was showcased on South Fountain Avenue outside the Clark State Performing Arts Center and the Main Branch of the Clark County Public Library before moving to Main Street at City Hall Plaza.

In 2016, National Trail Park District joined Project Jericho to expand the exhibit by opening the competition to public submissions. The partnership soon led to the creation of ChalkFest, an annual celebration of the artistic talent of the Springfield community and region.

This year’s ninth annual ChalkFest will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 3 at National Road Commons park.

The free, family-friendly event will feature up to 55 competitors in the chalk art competition, along with 13 professional chalk artists creating artwork on the streets surrounding the park.

In addition to the chalk art, visitors can enjoy live music from Larry Humphrey and Friends; local food trucks including New Orleans Grill, Salty Z Pretzels and Kerry’s Café; free face painting and balloon art for children; and art activities from the Springfield Museum of Art.

Festivalgoers also can create chalk art of their own in free community spaces provided throughout the event.

The 2026 ChalkFest T-shirts also will be available at the Clark State Project Jericho tent.

“ChalkFest is a fall tradition that families look forward to every year,” said Lo Houser, Project Jericho director. “National Trail, Project Jericho families, local artists and community partners bring their creativity and generosity to this event which makes for a really memorable Saturday in Downtown Springfield.”

Project Jericho is a program of Clark State College that provides in-depth visual and performing art experiences to youth and families in Clark County. Its partnership with National Trail helps bring Project Jericho’s work to a broader audience while creating opportunities for community members to participate.

Project Jericho is supported through funding from the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Arts Council, the Turner Foundation, Clark County Juvenile Court, the Community Health Foundation and private contributions.