Scarecrows on Parade judging begins Oct. 15 years ago
Scarecrows already have started popping up in Ramona, Lincolnville, Tampa, Lost Springs, and Burdick in preparation for the judging of "Scarecrows on Parade" the weekend of Oct. 15-16 by three judges from outside the area.
"The purpose of the event is to give folks a reason to drive through our little towns during the beautiful fall season, and invite them to sample the food at the eating establishments that are in four of the five towns." said Jessica Gilbert of Ramona, who with her sister, Mayor Pat Wick, first created the scarecrow event in Ramona in 2000.
Gilbert knew that "Scarecrows on Parade" would have a bigger impact if more towns participated, so this year she tested the idea with the city of Lincolnville. When Sylvia Bailey, events commissioner, heard the concept she immediately was enthusiastic for the project.
Bailey has installed two scarecrows enjoying a beer in the window next door to her tavern in Lincolnville. Down the street a scarecrow gets a wave and set in front of Karen's Designs beauty salon.
"We're very excited about the enthusiasm this event has sparked," said Carole Spohn, president of the Tampa Neighborhood Association. "Folks who haven't been involved before are finding this event enticing."
Businesses and residential owners alike are joining the fun. Tampa State Bank has a suspicious-looking robber running away with handfuls of fake loot. Monica Svoboda has a great witch flying high.
"I've had lots of positive feedback from folks who think this is lots of fun!" said Connie Johnson, Burdick coordinator. Connie, an avid Jayhawk fan has a Jayhawk scarecrow roasting a K-State Wildcat on the grill in her front yard.
Lost Springs had the first scarecrows go up this past Friday when Pat Wick's fourth grade art class at Centre Elementary School created five scarecrows standing by the school bell.
"The judges are going to have a hard time picking a winner," said Wick, who visited most of the towns recently to see the various scarecrows. "There are so many creative entries!"
Cousin's Corner B&B in Ramona has a crowd of cousins in the yard, "You're invited to stop and take a picture with them if you like," said the owners.
Maps and lists showing the location of the scarecrows in each town will be available Oct. 15.
They can be picked up at the following locations:
— Ramona — Ramona Café or Cousin's Corner Bed & Breakfast.
— Tampa — Cardie Oil Inc. or the former post office.
— Burdick — Burdick Meat Market.
— Lost Springs — Al's Café.
— Lincolnville — Bailey's Grill & Tavern.
A traveling trophy, sponsored by the California Sisters, will be engraved with the residential winner's name and the trophy will reside with the person or family who wins first place until next year's competition.
In addition, a cash prize of $50 for first, $30 for second, and gift certificates for third prize will be awarded. A picture and ribbon will be awarded to the winner of the business owner's category, along with large pans of homemade cinnamon rolls from Cousin's Corner B&B.
Businesses helping sponsor this event are Agri-Producers, Al's Café, Bailey's Grill & Tavern, California Sisters, Cousin's Corner B&B, Cow Camp Inc., Ramona Café, Tampa State Bank, and Tampa Lions Club.
