Make and take
‘Hay’, make a scarecrow
Heather Colpitts
hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com
Full-sized scarecrows are waiting to meet the public at Art’s Nursery in Port Kells.
But these aren’t ordinary scarecrows intended to keep birds away from the crops.
These scarecrows include a hockey player (sponsored by Levy’s Source for Sports) and the Grinch (courtesy of the LEC Christmas Show) and even scare-cows, scare-turkeys and other farm livestock (at the Aldor Acres display).
They are the whimsical creations for the Scarecrow Festival that kicks off Sept. 19.
“They’re fabulous,” said event organizer Shelly Levis.
Local businesses and organizations have either created the scarecrows or commissioned Arts to do one up related to them.
The result is a unique collection that will be on display at Arts, 8940 192nd St., until Oct. 19.
Funds from the Scarecrow Festival and display will go to the Society of Versatile Entertainers, a group of entertainers who perform at seniors facilities and palliative care sites. People commonly know them as the Versatiles.
Members will be on site Sept. 19 as Wizard of Oz characters.
On Saturday people can stop by from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and enjoy live music, a food truck, vendors, specials and more.
Brian Minter is the guest speaker offering up his expertise and there’s crafts and kids activities.
Families can also make a small scarecrow of their own to take home. Art’s Nursery provides the craft supplies (frame, burlap, straw and some accessories) but people must bring their own old clothing (kid-sized recommended). A $10 minimum donation is suggested and the funds support the cause. Levis added that the vendors have provided items for door prizes for the public.
Any businesses organizations still interested in sponsoring a scarecrow for this fundraiser can contact john@artsnursery.com. Organizers would like to hear from people by Friday.
“Right now we’re sitting at about 50,” Levis said of the number of scarecrows that will continue to grow.
They will be spread around the nursery grounds and kids can win a prize as part of the scarecrow scavenger hunt.