Somers Scarecrow Festival Desperately Needs Volunteer Help

SOMERS, CT — The popular Somers Scarecrow Festival, a fall staple at the Four Town Fairgrounds for the past three years, is in danger of not happening this October due to a lack of volunteer help.

The festival, which includes games, a pumpkin carving contest, farmers market, classic car show and craft fair in addition to the display of homemade scarecrows, is slated for Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is just $3 for adults and free for kids, with all money raised going to Somers Social Services, including its Adopt a Family Christmas Program.

However, a shortage of volunteers has put the festival in jeopardy, according to event coordinator Kara Wolters.

"We are looking for volunteers to help us keep the scarecrow festival going in town," she told Patch. "I was going to give up having it this year because I don't know if I can do it all with very little help, but I was convinced because it's for a great cause."

Wolters said anyone who can donate even a few hours will help ensure the festival will go on, and she is also looking for someone to help with a festival website. A meeting for those interested in helping is being scheduled for Aug. 24. To volunteer or to obtain more information, contact her via Facebook Messenger or through her website at karawolters.com.

The day includes a variety of food trucks, live music, raffle prizes and a Kids Zone.

A highlight of the game area is "Genevieve's Sweet Shot," conducted in memory of Somers High School student Genevieve Neiman. A version of the popular carnival dime toss game, players landing their coins completely within a spot win a Geissler's cake. Residents wishing to contribute cakes may do so by simply visiting Geissler's, where they will be on sale for $6. The supermarket staff delivers the cakes to the fairgrounds the morning of the event.

The scarecrow contest will award cash prizes in several categories, including funniest and scariest. The competition is open to anyone wishing to participate, not just Somers residents. The rules for entry are:

1. No store-bought scarecrows.
2. No political or activism scarecrows.
3. Scarecrows must be able to fit in a 6’ x 6’ footprint assembled.
4. Entries deemed offensive, political, not family friendly, or not in the good-natured spirit of the event will be removed.
5. Votes will be cast in person on Oct. 21 during the event.
6. All scarecrows must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 20 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 21.
7. Entrants are responsible for setup, and must ensure their scarecrow can withstand the elements.

Similarly, the pumpkin carving contest is open to the public, and will be judged in various categories. The rules:

1. No artificial pumpkins.
2. No painted pumpkins; carved pumpkins only.
3. All entries must have a light source; no candles or open flame.
4. No political or activism pumpkins.
5. Entries deemed offensive, political, not family friendly, or not in the good-natured spirit of the event will be removed.
6. Votes will be cast in person on Oct. 21 during the event.
7. All pumpkins must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 20 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 21.