Albion debuts Scarecrow Fest to promote downtown
ALBION – The Albion Merchants Association and the Energize Albion group are kicking off a first-time Scarecrow Fest this Saturday.
The competition is open to Albion businesses, which are urged to display scarecrows on Main Street from Route 31 to the canal, and also on Bank Street. The competition is also open to the community, with some scarecrows to be displayed on light poles in the downtown.
Some Albion businesses will have recycled clothing and parts to make scarecrows, with assembly available from noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday by U-Need-O Burrito at the village parking lot. (here will be donated hay and wood at the assembly site.)
Scarecrows need to be at least 5 feet tall. Businesses and other community members are welcome to enter the contest by Oct. 15. (They can work on the scarecrows at home or offsite if this Saturday is too busy.)
“We don’t expect extravagance the first year,” said Kim Remley, a member of Energize Albion.
The committee working on the Scarecrow Fest hopes it will become an annual fall tradition in Albion, promoting the downtown and community, Remley said.
Prizes will be awarded for cutest, scariest, funniest and most traditional scarecrows. Contest ballots will be available throughout the downtown shops. Ballot boxes will be located at Krantz Furniture and the Downtown Browsery.
Only one vote per person is permitted. The last day for voting is Oct. 26. Winners will be announced at “Beggar’s Night” on Oct. 28.
“We are all hopeful that this will prove to be a fun event for families and have tried to create it in a way that encourages visits to local businesses,” said Adam Johnson, the Merchants Association president.
There is no fee to participate, but the committee welcomes donations to help offset advertising and supplies cost.
