Medina’s Scarecrow Fest returns Oct. 8 at fairgrounds

Photos from Medina Lions Club: People had lots of fun last year making screcrows.

MEDINA – The annual Scarecrow Fest sponsored by Medina Lions has grown more popular since its first one more than a decade ago.

“We sold 300 scarecrows last year and we are ready for 400 this year,” said Sherry Wheatley, a Medina Lion who came up with the idea as a fundraiser for the Lions.

The event started in the Canal Basin, then moved to Medina Armory, Roberts Farm Market and Forrestel Farm before moving last year to the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, where it might have found a permanent home. There is plenty of parking and lots of inside space, so weather will never be a factor.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 8.

The procedure for a make-it, take-it scarecrow involves the community, Boy Scouts and high school art students.

All year Wheatley collects clothes and sheets donated by MAAC’s Thrift Depot. Barden Homes in Middleport donates wood for the T posts and cuts them up. Albion farmer Ed Neal donates the straw. The Medina High School art students and Barb Jantzi paint the scarecrow heads, Wheatley said.

Children and families arrive on the day of the event, pay $12 for their post and choose either a sitting or standing version. Then they go to the rows and rows of shirts, pants, dresses, hats and scarves and make their selection. When the scarecrow is stuffed from the huge pile of straw, they head over to “operating” tables, where the Lions Club members have turned into “surgeons for the day,” and will tie the scarecrow together with baler twine.

There is no age limit and it’s a fun family event, Wheatley said.

Boy Scout Troop 28 and Cub Scout Pack 28 will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, corn chowder and smores.

A horse show will be going on that day at the other end of the fairgrounds, and children are encouraged to go watch with their families.

“What’s funny is no two scarecrows look alike and sometimes they are bigger than the kids,” Wheatley said. “Sometimes when I’m out driving I’ll go by a house with a scarecrow and think, ‘That looks like one of our scarecrows,’ and it makes me smile. It takes a year to prepare for this event and all proceeds go back to help our community. Come and support us, so we can give back to you. There is no age limit and it’s guaranteed lots of fun.”