EDMONDS — Scarecrows around the city have gone from protecting crops to rescuing orange cats from evergreen trees.
More than 70 scarecrows have been entered into an annual contest of autumn creativity. The Scarecrow Festival, in its fourth year, is put on by the Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society. The organization runs a museum at 118 Fifth Ave. N.
Homeowners, businesses and local organizations make scarecrows in October and register them for the festival’s contest. People can vote online for their favorites. There are six categories based on who made the scarecrows and where they are displayed: residential; food and beverage; retail; services; financial, insurance or real estate; and government, school or art and civic organizations.
Among the scarecrows this year are a fireman rescuing a fake Garfield the cat; Dorothy and a few of her friends from “The Wizard of Oz”; and a dentist next to his patient. There’s a headless horseman, a mad hatter, a beekeeper and an elephant. Some famous fictional characters are around town, as well, including Willy Wonka, Yoda and SpongeBob SquarePants.
The scarecrows can be found in pumpkin patches, on front porches, in shops and even on bicycles.
Several people put together politically themed scarecrows. There are a few Hillary Clintons and Donald Trumps standing on doorsteps or in front of businesses.
The historical society has presented this year’s contest as an enjoyable if somewhat spooky voting opportunity to balance the divisive politics of the presidential race. It’s “undoubtedly the best, most fun, and most uplifting election contest this season,” festival organizers said in a news release.
Last year’s winners included a scarecrow crafted entirely out of flower pots, a mermaid with a shiny tail made of CDs and the colorful characters from Disney’s “Inside Out.” The historical society requires that scarecrows be handmade and appropriate for all ages.
People can see the scarecrows all around Edmonds and find photos and information about each online. To see the photos and vote for favorite scarecrows, people should go to scf.historicedmonds.org/register-vote. The contest ends Friday.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
