For most people, the arrival of fall brings with it thoughts of jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and beautiful foliage. For many local folks, however, fall conjures images of handcrafted scarecrows appearing in Cushman Park, at the corner of routes 5 and 10 in Bernardston. The annual Scarecrow in the Park event, a seasonal favorite, is sponsored by the Bernardston Kiwanis and is in its fifth year of being a two-day event, on October 21st and 22nd. Proceeds from this event benefit the Bernardston Kiwanis Scholarship Fund. The scarecrows, artists and craftspeople, Tractor & Rag Shag Parade, two days of live music including a full concert-length set from local Favorite Appalachian Still, Halloween dance party, artist demonstrations, a visit and demonstration with local canine police officers, lots of family activities, delicious food options, and more, make this an event that is not to be missed. This will be the fifth year that Scarecrow in the Park features artists and craftspeople selling their handcrafted wares and local musicians sharing their talents live. Artists will also be demonstrating and discussing their creative processes. Saturday and Sunday will feature delicious food cooked by the Kiwanis, including burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and more; and new this year is the Holyoke Hummus Company, serving up hummus platters, salads, and yummy fried veggies. We'll also have fried dough with maple cream from All Things Maple. The ever-popular Tractor and Rag Shag Parade will take place at noon on October 21st, followed by the Halloween Dance Party and hayrides. Both days will feature live music from local musicians, including Valley favorites Appalachian Still, Corki & Ken, Pat and Tex LaMountain, and Celtic Heels will again be sharing their fancy footwork. Davis Bates will be kicking off Sunday morning with stories and songs for all ages, thanks to a grant from the Bernardston Cultural Council. The Melha Shriners clowns will be paying us a visit again this year, sharing their face painting and balloon-sculpting talents, and local canine police officers will be demonstrating their skills for the crowd. The artists’ booths will be open both days, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, and 'til 3:00 pm on Sunday. Featuring jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, clothing, preserves, wood crafts, gourd art, handcrafted soap, seasonal decorations, home adornments, maple syrup, candles, and more, there really is something for everyone! The scarecrow contest has five Kiwanis-sponsored categories from which participants may choose, Scariest, Funniest, Prettiest, Most Interesting Use of Materials, and our rotating category is History this year. These five categories offer a $100 prize for each. BearCountry Radio will be offering a $200 Big Y gift card for the best “Bearcrow.” Registration costs $5.00 per category and participants may enter their scarecrow in as many categories as they like. Scarecrow registration forms will be available at 7 South Bakery and Cushman Library, or requested from scarecrowinthepark@gmail.com, or found on the Scarecrow in the Park Facebook page. Questions regarding all aspects of this event can also be directed to this e-mail address or the FB page. The Bernardston Senior Center, just across the street from the park, in the former Powers Institute School, will be bustling with a huge tag sale, raffle, musical offerings, and a café featuring homemade soup and sandwiches, desserts, and a children’s menu. They will also have coffee and breakfast treats earlier in the day. The Powers Institute Museum, which is a treasure trove of Bernardston’s historical artifacts housed in the top floor of P.I., will be open both days from 10:00 to 3:00. If you are an artist, craftsperson, author, or maker of preserves, pickles, oils, and vinegars and would like to receive an application for participation as a vendor, contact Karen Stinchfield at scarecrowinthepark@gmail.com. Artists and craftspeople can also pick up applications at Cushman Library at 28 Church Street in Bernardston. Scarecrow in the Park is brought to the community by the Bernardston Kiwanis, in support of its Scholarship Fund. Platinum Sponsor of the event is Paul Redeker Rental Company, with Paul generously supplying the majority of the tents that will keep the event covered and comfortable. Rain or shine, this event will be enjoyable for you and your family! Our gold sponsor is A-1 Enterprises. For our ever-evolving listing of participating artists and schedules of activities and performances at Cushman Park and the Bernardston Senior Center, visit Scarecrow in the Park’s Facebook page. It’s the best way to stay up-to-date on this exciting community event. Mark your calendars and come on out to the park!
Saturday Oct 21, 2017
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
October 21st, from 10:00 to 4:00 October 22nd, from 10:00-3:00
Cushman Park at the corner of routes 5 & 10 in Bernardston
FREE Admission! FREE Kids Activities! FREE Live Music!
scarecrowinthepark@gmail.com
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Printed courtesy of www.franklincc.org – Contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. for more information.
PO Box 6, Deerfield, MA 01342-0006 – (413) 773-5463 – fccc@franklincc.org