Fall is about to come and it’s time to enjoy the cool breeze and celebrate the Scarecrow Festival. Let’s dive in and see what’s special about this popular fest!
October is an ideal time for harvest across the US, and that’s why there are countless festivals that celebrate their local community’s traditions. In recent years, the annual Scarecrow Festival has become more and more popular in the US.
It’s because it includes plenty of fall festivities, amazing displays of handmade scarecrows throughout Villages. Besides, there are also wildly creative designs of community members for the competition like Instagram-ready Day, which caught every eye the first time saw it.
1. The Scarecrow Festival In The USA And Other Parts Of The World
Scarecrow History
In many parts of the world, wooden statues were usually placed in the fields to protect crops. The idea has been presented for a long time and the stories behind have varied among countries.
In ancient Greece, the wooden statues represent Priapus. Despite being the son of Aphrodite, he was hideously ugly. In any fields where Priapus resided, birds tented to avoid those. So the practice soon traveled to Rome and Roman farmers adopted it to protect crops.
Similarly, Japanese farmers also used different kinds of scarecrows in their fields, but the most popular one was the Kakashi. It’s kinda a stick mounted with bells and Old dirty rags.
When they were lit on fire, no birds or animals wanted to come to the rice fields. Sometimes, Japanese farmers made scarecrows that looked like a human and equipped them with weapons to make them look frightening.
In Europe and Britain, small children used to work as crow-scarers. They used to run around the fields, clap blocks of wood together to shoo birds away. But after the population had decreased due to the plague, they stuffed old clothes with straw, but a hat on top and mounted them in the fields. The farmers found that these guardians did a pretty good job of keeping crops safe.
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The Scarecrow Festival
The Scarecrow Festival takes place in many places in the world, including Europe, some parts of Asia,… In the United State, it’s usually held in some villages of Cambria, Kendall, ST. Charles, to name a few. But the most popular one is in Cambria’s East and West Villages.
The first scarecrow festival in Cambria occurred in 2009 with only 30 scarecrows lining the streets. Since then, the event has been expanding to hundreds of scarecrows crafted by hand. Needless to say, the scarecrows attract thousands of visitors each year to Cambria.
Festival Overview
During the month of October, several events are opened to the public to support the festival and celebrate the season. The Scarecrow Festival officially starts on October 9. The Scarecrows, the heart of the fest, are displayed throughout the town from October 1 through 31.
2. The Scarecrow Festival Treat Us With Plenty Of Fun Activities
Harvest Festival
On the grounds of the Cambria Historical Museum, the Harvest Festival brings old-fashioned fun to everyone. It’s a free event and celebrates the traditional harvest. Come to join and indulge in live music, face painting, pumpkin decorating, family activities, art,…and scarecrows.
Wines of the Old World
It’s time to learn about wine! Wines of the Old World will give you a chance to taste different types of wine, which could tune your wine palate to a new level and help you explore the aromas of the wine.
Each wine comes with a mini-dessert or appetizer, selected by wine expert Paulla Ufferheide and prepared by Gayle Jenkins from A Matter of Taste. The event is held at Squibb House Barn, a restored building bringing you back to the dates of the 1800s.
Octoberfest
Another free event for families that you may love is Octoberfest. It features a lot of fun festivities, such as games, music performances, arts and crafts fairs, food, beer, and scarecrow displays. The Octoberfest kick-offs after the announcement of the winners in the Scarecrow Festival competition.
Scarecrow Classic 5K
Scarecrow Classic 5K is a fundraiser for the Cambria Youth Athletic Association. Spending your time run/walk along Cambria’s beautiful coastline with your family could be an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to dress up as a scarecrow to make the run more exciting.
3. Wear Your Scarecrow Costume To Raise The Festival Spirit
Needless to say, scarecrow costumes are perfect for all ages and genders. You probably don’t have to buy your costumes because it’s already in your closet. Just a shirt, jeans, shorts or denim skirt, a few fabric patches, and a cute straw or slouchy hat, and you’re done for the Scarecrow Festival.
To get a little bit of effect, add some pretty makeup bits of straw or raffia tacked in your clothes. In case you’re looking for some idea to custom your outfits, these may be the perfect ones for you.
Oz Scarecrow Costume
This amazing costume starts with a green long-sleeved tee, fleece fabric stands. It’s easy to wear and also easy to make. You may like to add some patches and a straw hat to boost your unique costume to the next level.
Adorable Scarecrow Costume
Don’t have time to custom your outfits? A last-minute scarecrow costume is an easy and nice one. First, you need a flannel shirt and overalls, then add a few patches, a floppy hat, and some straw to complete your outfit. We bet you already have these things in your closet. To make it look prettier, add some pink blush on your cheeks and you’re ready for the Scarecrow Festival.
The Scarecrow Festival is one of the most amazing in the US this fall season. So what’re you waiting for? Save the day and head to Cambria’s East and West Villages to enjoy the hustle of harvest festivities.
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