For the first time in three years scarecrows have been sighted on the streets of Innisfail and organizer Deb Stoski could not be more pleased.
While more than 40 entries from Innisfailians and businesses graced the newly opened Main Street sidewalk in front of Henday Mall, Innisfail councillor Doug Bos expressed concern that more local business owners did not participate in the brand-building event.
“The scarecrows on display look good,” said Bos, whose entry for Discovery Wildlife Park won first place in the business category. “Attractions like this help us build our brand and turn Innisfail into a destination. Radio stations from Calgary and Edmonton picked up on the festival and talked about it.”
In addition to the scarecrows, participants were able to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and sample McDonald's coffee and hot chocolate from the Coffee Cottage. Ulla-la sponsored a bouncy castle for the kids while Rock 104.5 and CruzFM both broadcast from the event.
“This is our first year back,” said Deb Stoski, festival organizer and local business owner. “When the festival went into hiatus in 2011, there were close to 80 scarecrows and this year we hit the mid-40s for numbers, which was good. The event can only grow from here.”
Stoski, the president of the Downtown Business Association, noted her group and sponsors were generous with their support in making the festival a success.
Originally begun in 2004, the Scarecrow Festival graced the streets of Innisfail until 2011, with increasing community participation every year. From its inception, the uniquely crafted, handmade creations, often completed with props around a theme, were displayed along the service road of 50th Street from Fourlane Ford to the Royal Canadian Legion.
“It's nice to see the festival back,” said Innisfail resident Mary Forster. “We used to bring our grandkids to see it, and now we can bring out the younger ones again. It's a great family time.”
The scarecrows ranged from simple creations such as the one displayed by Jeannette's Music Studio, which boasted trumpets for legs, to Esther Vermillion's winning 12-foot masterpiece, Walter's Bride, which had underwear, pots, pans and a poem included.
Innisfailian Roxanne Arthur was surprised at the variety of scarecrows displayed on the street.
“Now that I have seen it I look forward to seeing it next year with my family,” said Arthur.
Stoski noted that CABK Broadcasting, 96.5 FM and Rock 104.5 – both from Olds - won best out-of-town display while the Innisfail Garden Club won best non-profit entry. Lily Dodd's Headless Horseman won best youth entry and Esther Vermillion took the best personal scarecrow for the eighth time.
“Next year will be better,” said Stoski.
