Arts & Entertainment

Get Ready For The Annual Scarecrow Contest & FestiFALL In Essex!

It's that time of year, the leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler and the lamp posts of downtown Essex are getting scarecrows

(Scott Anderson/Patch)

ESSEX, CT —Fall is in the air and it’s time to mark your calendar for the Essex Board of Trade’s Scarecrow Contest and FestiFALL! Follow the yellow brick road of scarecrows and vote for your favorite one. Are you “A Good Witch” or “A Bad Witch?”

Scarecrow Display & Contest Starts October 7th

As is annual tradition, the “Scarecrow Lamp-Post Presentation” - scarecrows created by Essex, Centerbrook & Ivoryton residents and businesses - will line the Main Streets of the three villages. Viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite scarecrow between October 7th – 31st and submit their vote to one of six business locations (J. Alden Clothiers, CT River Museum, Savour Café, Blue Hound Cookery, Ivoryton Library and Elite Nutrition). Winners will be announced at the Halloween Parade, 10/31/21 on Main Street, Essex, as well as on all social media.

Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2021 Scarecrow FestiFALL

The Scarecrow FestiFALL will take place throughout Essex Village on Saturday, October 9, 2021. This year the FestiFALL has special guests - “The Wicked Witch of the West” and “Glinda the Good Witch” – who’ll will be flying in to make an appearance at You Me & The Sea. Be sure to stop by and take a selfie! Are you a good witch or a bad witch?

Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Event co-chairwomen, Samantha McDowell and Stacia Libby, say: “We’re so excited for this year’s event. Along with the scarecrows, we’re utilizing the Wizard of Oz for inspiration!!! This year’s FestiFALL will be a well-rounded and lively experience that appeals to families, residents and visitors alike!!”

Event Schedule, Locations & Details, October 8 - 9

Friday, October 8,

4 p.m.

Twilight Tour of Riverview Cemetery (RVC)

Join Essex Historical Society for a guided tour of the Riverview Cemetery (RVC). We will trace RVC's history from a simple burial yard to its park-like setting of today.

Cost: $5 per person, free to members of Essex Historical Society. For more info: www.essexhistory.org

Saturday, October 9

2:00 - 5:00 pm

  • Scavenger Hunt - Participating retailers & restaurants will be hosting. Guests who find all (6) of the hidden witches win a free gourmet treat at the CT River Museum!

3-5 p.m.

“The Wicked Witch of the West” and “Glinda the Good Witch” will be at You Me & the Sea for selfies! Which witch will you pick?! Are you a good witch or a bad witch?

4 p.m.

  • Twilight Tour of River View Cemetery (RVC)

Join Essex Historical Society for a guided tour of the RVC. We will trace RVC's history from a simple burial yard to its park-like setting of today. Cost: $5 per person, free to members of Essex Historical Society. For more info: www.essexhistory.org

Main Street Town Park

3 - 5 p.m.

  • Live Music in the Park sponsored by the Essex Park and Recreation featuring – The Meadow Brothers

3 - 6 p.m.

  • Face painting
  • Help create the yellow brick road with chalk

6:30 p.m.

  • An evening, outdoor movie presentation sponsored by the Ivoryton Library – The Wizard of Oz (weather permitting). Come dressed as your favorite character!!!

Connecticut River Museum

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • FREE Admission for children 12 and under all day to the CT River Museum

2:30 -4 p.m.

  • Spooky Tree making kids crafts with Allison Insall, Director of Education and Public Programs

This press release was produced by the Essex Board of Trade. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.