The year 2001 edition of the "Scarecrows Along Main Street" in the heart of Old Wethersfield, CT, should be the best display yet of local ingenuity and folk art to been seen in the seven years that OWSA has sponsored this eagerly awaited local event. Since the beginning in 1996, the number of scarecrows has grown, as has the number of artists (young and old alike) who have created them.

In previous years, local and regional viewers and visitors have been entertained and intrigued by the host of straw-filled strangers. Just to mention only a few, these invaders have included: true scarecrows, witches on utility poles, the Statue of Liberty, children of the world, the Grinch who stole summer, tributes to teachers, an old man fishing in the Keeney fountain of service, brides and grooms, aliens, skiers, colonial soldiers, a woman taking a shower, fireman, a line of crows, dragons, maidens, a troop of Brownies, Miss Piggy, Mickey Mouse, a Frankenstein, Pippi Longstocking, kids playing hide and seek, and Cruella DeVille (and one of the 101 dalmations) who was maliciously vandalized shortly after she was erected. Groups of families, prides of children and gaggles of gawkers are seen moving eagerly and wide-eyed from one inviting creation to the next and capturing the thrill of the moment with snapshots along the way.

We invite the world (via the internet) to come to Old Wethersfield, CT, to join us in this friendly, local celebration in this "ye most auncient towne in Connecticut." Take the time to view in greater detail some of the prior years' creations here at wethersfield.net; just click on the image to enlarge it; click the [BACK] button to close the enlarged image.

For the past 4 years, hardly a crow has been seen during this three-week celebration of community spirit, that is except THIS YEAR (as you will see!). Organized and administered by OWSA, participants must sign up to enter this friendly competition where each competitor "wins" something. Their amazing creations are assigned specific locations on Main Street, from the Hartford Avenue intersection in the north to the Garden Street intersection in the south, a little more than a quarter of a mile in each direction.

Old Wethersfield has a reputation all over town for being one of the best places in town to take a walk, almost any time of year. Brick sidewalks in the heart of Old Wethersfield, the expanse of the Broad Street Green, and its ree-lined and tree-shaded streets are flat and inviting to walkers of all ages, styles and speeds. The shopkeepers have succeeded in enticing local, county and state visitors to take the time to enjoy Old Wethersfield during annual event.

Scarecrows Along Main Street (SAMS) originated as a group effort, spearheaded by shopkeepers Barbara Ford (House of Images), Neill Walsh (Jeweler/Goldsmith), and Dana Spicer (Mainly Tea) in 1996. That first time it attracted forty participants who create 25 scarecrows. Each following year, the number of participants has grown as have the number, variety and appeal of the scarecrows. OWSA members themselves do not enter the competition and the judging is performed by non-OWSA members, just to keep it fair for all.

The original competition was limited to children. But, because of the occasional need for parental assistance and the appeal of the event, others were invited to join in. There are now five (5) categories open to local residents and businesses: children, family, youth groups, adult groups, and businesses. A first prize is awarded in each category. There is presently no "best of the event" award, just to keep things civilized! Most of the prizes are donated by members of the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association, other businesses and organizations in town. However, it is the joy of creativity and public appreciation which usually stirs the artists who create our Old Wethersfield scarecrows.

This event has been covered by local, state and regional media (print, radio and video) including the New York Times. Since the event runs for three weeks, weather usually is not a major problem. Ford recommends, however, that viewing is the best in the first week when the scarecrows are "fresh." In any case, she likes to point out, "Smiles are guaranteed." Such a deal! And, the price is right: free!

This year's scarecrows are in place in their special locations - waiting for you to visit them. The imagination and creativity of the people of Wethersfield and this area is better than EVER! You have just GOT to come down and see these for yourself! Judging has already taken place and the "awards" party recently took place. The scarecrows will be on display until October 20 after which time they will be gone until a new crop arrives next year.

For our out-of-town guests who would like to join the fun, foliage and would like to "take a walk" in Old Wethersfield, come and smile at the "Scarecrows Along Main Street." Here are some maps; directions are available via Mapquest:

If participants, residents or visitors have even better images of previous years' creations, let us know. Wethersfield.net would be happy to consider putting them up on this site for the world to see (with appropriate credit, of course). Just email us your image to: Scarecrows@wethersfield.net .

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