ROCHELLE — Legend has it the Headless Horseman still can be seen roaming around Sleepy Hollow.

A straw version of the character in the old tale has made its way to the “Hub City” just in time for next month’s fall event in Rochelle. The second annual Hay Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Lincoln Highway and throughout downtown Rochelle.
The family-friendly event features a petting zoo, giant inflatables, rock climbing, and hay rides and is a fun way to celebrate the fall season. The event will also include food served by the Rochelle Fire Department, Off the Wall Café, and Hicks BBQ along with musical entertainment by bluegrass band “The Templetons.”
The Headless Horseman, on display now along IL Route 38 near Caron Road, is the creation of artist Danica Rogers. The Rochelle resident recently submitted another straw sculpture for a competition in Mt. Morris.
Rogers said the sculpture made with a frame of plywood, chicken wire, and foam took about a month to complete.

“I was trying to think of something that was Halloween themed for a fun piece during the fall and October and I saw a picture of the headless horseman that caught my eye,” Rogers said.
The Headless Horseman is one of two entries so far in the straw sculpting competition. The Blackhawk Statue, sculpted by Bill Schermerhorm, is located in front of City Hall. Other entries will be placed around the downtown area.
Event activities
Jenny Thompson, Marketing Director for Rochelle, said there’s something at the event for everyone.
“Hay Day is growing this year with the addition of a rock climbing wall for our older kids visiting the event,” Thompson said. “We love the community excitement with hay bale decorating leading up to the event…we’ve given out 30 hay bales and continue to see more pop up around town! It’s the most rewarding feeling to see families posing for photos around each hay bale throughout the fall.”
Several hay bales have been decorated recently, including the “Little Engine That Could” outside of Tilton School and a semi truck near Petro.
“There are activities for every age. Bouncy houses, climbing walls, crafts, petting zoo, hay bale maze, food, music, tractors, baked goods…everything to help celebrate the spirit of fall in a small town way,” Michelle Pease, Rochelle’s Community Development and Tourism Director said.
Starting Oct. 11, City Hall will be having a pumpkin-decorating contest for school ages through adults.
Attendees to the event will have an opportunity to decorate a pumpkin, hosted by the Flagg-Rochelle Library as well as vote on their favorite straw sculpture.