Scarecrow Festival Kicks Off

They may not be guarding cornfields from crows, but the scarecrows planted around town do give a clear message: Fall has come to Weston.

The scarecrows have been built and planted as part of the annual Scarecrow Festival, which is sponsored by the Community League Garden Club, which is part of the Women's Community League.

Mary Louise Hatten, of the League, said the festival is mostly for fun, to have local businesses and residents welcome fall together. Scarecrows can be built by individuals, or groups.

"They're gorgeous. I think they're great fun," said Hatten.

Pat Gowdy, of the League, has been spearheading the effort to bring the festival back to Weston, said Hatten. The festival had gone on for several years but fell into disuse until the League resurrected it last year, she said.

The Women Community's League takes donations, but there is no fee to enter a scarecrow, said Hatten.

Scarecrows are grouped by entrant categories, which include groups, individuals and children of different age groups. Depending on which category a scarecrow falls into, it can be planted on the town common, in front of the Field School, in front of Case House, on the island by Weston Public Library and by the scout house on School Street.

The scarecrows are judged, but it's mostly for fun, said Hatten. No prizes are given out and the focus is more on the effort and bringing people together rather than competition.

"It's fun to have the village effect," she said.

Hatten will be judging this morning, but said the number of entrants in time for the judging may be low due to the forecasted rain. However, she expects that many scarecrows will continue to be planted through the weekend, when nicer weather is predicted.

Last year, about 60 scarecrows were entered.

Check back at Weston Patch tomorrow for a photo slideshow of the scarecrows entered.