BERNARDSTON — The Scarecrow in the Park Planning Committee is moving forward with it plans to host the annual festival in Cushman Park on Oct. 16 and 17, while keeping an eye on the local COVID-19 cases and assessing the situation each week.
Organizer Karen Stinchfield noted that this year, in lieu of the annual rotating category, a fifth scarecrow design category of “First Responders” will honor the hard work and dedication of those working on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic and who protect public safety.
The fall festival, now in its eighth year of being a two-day event, features dozens of creative homemade scarecrows, booths run by more than 50 local artists and craftspeople, two days of live music, food and activities for all ages. The event is sponsored by the Bernardston Kiwanis Club, with proceeds supporting the club’s scholarship fund.
The popular Tractor Parade will take place at noon on Saturday, Oct. 16. Local musicians to perform include Appalachian Still, Corki & Ken, The Bork-Tinen-Kahn Trio, Carolyn Walker and the Falltown String Band. The artists’ booths will be open both days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, and until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17.
“Featuring jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, clothing, preserves, wood crafts, handcrafted soap, seasonal decorations, knit goods, home adornments, maple syrup, candles and more, there really is something for everyone,” Stinchfield said.
This year’s scarecrow contest will have five categories — Scariest, Funniest, Prettiest, Most Interesting Use of Materials and this year’s rotating category of First Responders. The five categories each offer a $100 prize, and a $5 registration fee enters participants in all five categories.
Scarecrow contest registration forms are available at Cushman Library, Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop and in the kiosk in Cushman Park, or can be requested by emailing scarecrowinthepark@gmail.com. Digital versions are also available on the Scarecrow in the Park Facebook page.
“The scarecrow contest will take place whether the full event is affected by COVID-19 or not,” Stinchfield noted.
Artists, craftspeople, authors or makers of specialty foods who would like to receive an application to participate as a vendor can contact Stinchfield at scarecrowinthepark@gmail.com. The Scarecrow in the Park Planning Committee has been jurying applications for the past several months to ensure a wide variety of wares, and has now closed applications for knitters, crocheters, sewers, quilters and jam/jelly makers.
Specifically, Stinchfield said the Planning Committee is still actively seeking clay artists and potters, glass artists, woodworkers, wooden utensil makers, clothing creators and those who repurpose clothing, birdhouse/bird feeder builders, jewelry artists and others who make unique items.
Scarecrow in the Park organizers, along with the town Board of Health, encourage everyone who attends to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. For more event details, visit facebook.com/scarecrowinthepark.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.