Somers Scarecrow Festival Offering Cash, Prizes In Various Categories

SOMERS, CT — With the fourth annual Somers Scarecrow Festival approaching in two weeks, organizers are offering incentives to area clubs, teams, businesses and students, encouraging them to create unique scarecrows.

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.

"It helps the community by giving them fundraising money for their programs and helps us get scarecrows," organizer Kara Wolters told Patch. "With Columbus Day weekend coming, I am hoping they have a long weekend and will work on one."

Prizes vary from cash to gift cards and custom packages. Categories include:

• Sports teams, school band, Scouts, etc. - $200
• The Battle of the Classes (2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 - open to all towns) - $200
• Best business entry - lunch for the office (Hot Table gift cards)
• Age 10 and under - Sonny's Place gift card
• General entries - 1st, 2nd and 3rd place - prize packages
• Carved pumpkins - 1st, 2nd and 3rd place - prize packages

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.

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.

"People can buy a cake for $8 to be donated for Genevieve’s game to raise money for her scholarship fund," Wolters said. "People can go to the bakery at Geissler's to sign up and then pay for it when you check out at customer service."