Somers Scarecrow Festival In Need Of Volunteer Help

SOMERS,CT — For the fourth straight year, the Somers Scarecrow Festival will haunt the Four Town Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Proceeds are donated to a local charity.

Various contests will include different categories of scarecrows, pumpkin carving, costumes, a scavenger hunt and a haunted house. There will be a "Star Wars" live event, as well as games, face painting and a balloon animal artist.

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 just $10. The supermarket staff delivers the cakes to the fairgrounds the morning of the event.

A craft fair will be included as part of the festival, and food trucks will be on hand.

The scarecrow contest will award prizes in several categories, and 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. 19 during the event.
6. All scarecrows must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 18 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 19.
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. 19 during the event.
7. All pumpkins must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 18 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 19.

Volunteers are still needed to help ensure the festival runs smoothly. Anyone interested may email scarecrowfestivalsomers@gmail.com or call 860-985-5252.

More information may be obtained here.