Rochelle Transforms Hay Bales into Art for Annual Community Event

Rochelle, Illinois, is showcasing its creativity this October as the annual Haybale Trail transforms ordinary hay bales into extraordinary works of art. This annual event features artistic displays from local businesses, schools, churches, and organizations, celebrating community spirit and creativity.

The Haybale Trail has grown significantly since its inception in 2016. What began with a single hay bale styled as the Statue of Liberty has evolved into a vibrant exhibition with nearly 60 participants this year. According to Jenny Thompson, Director of Community Engagement for the City of Rochelle, the idea was to encourage community involvement. “We thought it would be fun for the entire community to join in and decorate hay bales, and it really took off from there,” Thompson stated.

This year’s creations include a variety of themes, from animals and Halloween scenes to support for the Rochelle High School Hubs sports teams. The trail runs mostly through Rochelle, with some displays located just outside the city limits. Each participating group is responsible for sourcing their own art supplies, ensuring that creativity knows no bounds.

Schoenholz Farms in Paw Paw has been a key partner in this initiative, supplying hay bales for the past five years. The City of Rochelle purchases the bales and distributes them to participants during the fall harvest, and they are returned at the end of the month. The event currently serves as a festive display, but city officials are considering adding a contest component in the future.

“Visitors to Rochelle love to travel around town to see the different creations,” Thompson added. “We have people who come to Rochelle every fall just to see the bales. While they are here, they visit our restaurants and shops, and we’re so thankful for that.”

The impact of this event extends beyond art; it also supports local businesses. As guests flock to the town to view the hay bale exhibits, they contribute to the local economy by dining and shopping in Rochelle.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Illinois utilized an estimated total of 445,000 acres for hay production in 2024, yielding approximately 1.475 million tons of hay. In terms of quality, Illinois produced 975,000 tons of alfalfa hay with an average yield of 3.75 tons per acre.

The Haybale Trail not only highlights the region’s agricultural heritage but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride among residents. As the community celebrates its artistic flair, the festival continues to evolve, promising even more creativity in the years to come.

For those interested in seeing the artistic displays, photographs from this year’s trail, as well as past exhibitions, are available on the City of Rochelle’s Facebook page. The Haybale Trail invites everyone to appreciate the creativity and community spirit that makes Rochelle a unique destination each autumn.