Andover's 10th Annual Scarecrow Festival Continues Through Oct. 29

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Coalition for Education (ACE) kicked off its 10th annual Scarecrow Festival in downtown Andover Saturday with the inaugural Scarecrow Family Fest.

The Scarecrow Festival features more than 100 scarecrows — designed by schools and community groups — lining Main Street's light poles. The event lasts until Oct. 29 and serves as a major fundraiser for ACE, which helps to fund innovative, curriculum-enhancing, system-wide initiatives within Andover Public Schools (APS).

The Family Fest, which organizers estimate drew nearly 600 visitors, had several activities highlighting some the initiatives that ACE has funded within APS.

The event featured an Instrument Zoo, which allowed children to try out string instruments, an Art Station, where children created scarecrow collages, and a Design Challenge, where children took on three engineering challenges.

"This is the first year we've held a Family Fest, and we are thrilled by the community's interest
and support," said Lauren Kushman, president of ACE. "Families enjoyed engaging activities that were modeled after our past grants to the district. These activities really highlighted the impact ACE has had in our schools."

ACE said it is raising money from the Scarecrow Festival and Scarecrow Family Fest thanks to corporate sponsorships and individual donations.

"For every $10 donation made to ACE (by families or community members), a pumpkin will 'sprout' at an elementary school of your choice, enabling ACE to continue to give back and support innovative initiatives," ACE said in a statement.

While the scarecrows are on display, children and families also have a chance to participate in the ACE Scavenger Hunt.

Families can download the scavenger hunt form online and find hidden items on the scarecrows. The Andover Bookstore, located at 74 Main St., also is distributing scavenger hunt forms.