Akron Scarecrow Festival brings community together
By Judy Hayworth, Journal correspondent | Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Iowa Friendship and Service Club members put finishing touches on scarecrows that will be up for auction at the Akron Scarecrow Festival and Contest Saturday at the Akron City Park. Club members, from left, are Julie Schmitz, Mary Lucken, Martie Krause and Barb Johnson (Staff photo by Judy Hayworth)
AKRON, Iowa -- Akron's Scarecrow Festival and Contest Saturday will feature a variety of activities, food and community involvement.
Sponsored by the GFWC Iowa Friendship and Service Club, the fall festival at the city park features a scarecrow contest and other things to do.
"Vendors and food are a big part of the festival which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.," says Barb Johnson, the celebration's chairwoman.
In addition, there is a variety of entertainment, including a female barbershop quartet from Yankton, S.D. There are also pony rides, a kiddie train, face painting, a kids jumping cage, petting zoo and kids games and crafts.
One of the most popular events is the cow-pie lottery, conducted by the Future Farmers of America. With a grid laid out on the ground, contestants select the square where the "cow will do its duty," says Johnson. "There's lots of cheering for the fun contest."
Contestants for the scarecrow contest are divided into three groups, preschool through grade five, grades six through 12 and age 18 and older. All are encouraged to create a scarecrow.
Other than those made by the youngest contestants, all scarecrows become the property of the F&S Club for the 2 o'clock auction. Scarecrows are judged and the awards total more than $600.
The festival is the club's main fundraiser, and benefits community projects.
"We have supported, among other things, the swimming pool bathhouse, furnishings for a room at the new Children's Center, a display case at the Akron Public Library, playground equipment at the city park, an Akron-Westfield Community School scholarship and almost $2,000 annually at Christmas for needy families," said club member Sue Higman.
Community members volunteer to work at the various events. The week of the festival, stories about scarecrows are read to elementary students, and FFA members help an elementary class in making scarecrows.
In its eighth year, the celebration replaced various fundraising projects. After F&S members saw a similar festival in Minnesota, says Higman, "we sat down and drew up the rules and gave it a try. Our goal was that it was for our families and we have done that very well."
Club member Mary Lucken agrees. "The whole ambience of the fall festival is so appealing. It's like being part of a Norman Rockwell scene."
Sponsored by the GFWC Iowa Friendship and Service Club, the fall festival at the city park features a scarecrow contest and other things to do.
"Vendors and food are a big part of the festival which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.," says Barb Johnson, the celebration's chairwoman.
In addition, there is a variety of entertainment, including a female barbershop quartet from Yankton, S.D. There are also pony rides, a kiddie train, face painting, a kids jumping cage, petting zoo and kids games and crafts.
One of the most popular events is the cow-pie lottery, conducted by the Future Farmers of America. With a grid laid out on the ground, contestants select the square where the "cow will do its duty," says Johnson. "There's lots of cheering for the fun contest."
Contestants for the scarecrow contest are divided into three groups, preschool through grade five, grades six through 12 and age 18 and older. All are encouraged to create a scarecrow.
Other than those made by the youngest contestants, all scarecrows become the property of the F&S Club for the 2 o'clock auction. Scarecrows are judged and the awards total more than $600.
The festival is the club's main fundraiser, and benefits community projects.
"We have supported, among other things, the swimming pool bathhouse, furnishings for a room at the new Children's Center, a display case at the Akron Public Library, playground equipment at the city park, an Akron-Westfield Community School scholarship and almost $2,000 annually at Christmas for needy families," said club member Sue Higman.
Community members volunteer to work at the various events. The week of the festival, stories about scarecrows are read to elementary students, and FFA members help an elementary class in making scarecrows.
In its eighth year, the celebration replaced various fundraising projects. After F&S members saw a similar festival in Minnesota, says Higman, "we sat down and drew up the rules and gave it a try. Our goal was that it was for our families and we have done that very well."
Club member Mary Lucken agrees. "The whole ambience of the fall festival is so appealing. It's like being part of a Norman Rockwell scene."
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