At 90 years old Esther Vermillion is looking to be the Scarecrow Queen of 2014.
Already a winner of five trophies in the annual Innisfail Scarecrow Festival since its inception in 2004, Vermillion is looking forward to being part of the event as long as she is able, and she is especially excited the event is returning to town this coming Thanksgiving long weekend after a four-year absence.
“When I was 80 years old in 2004, the festival was just starting up,” said Vermillion. “I did not, and still do not, like sitting around. I had knitted, crocheted, and stitched Afghans and blankets for my four kids, 17 grandkids and 25 great- grandchildren, so I had to do something.”
The then octogenarian latched onto the festival and decorated her first scarecrow, winning first place in the Private category.
“I enjoyed getting out during the festival and scaring people,” added Vermillion. “I would dress up like the stuffed creation beside me, and sit as still as possible, waiting for the right moment to say BOO or just wiggle a little. Scaring people was the best part for me. Once, a gentleman stared at me, not at all sure if I was real. He looked, looked, and finally fell over backwards. That was so much for me, but not probably for him.”
One of her favourite memories is when she dressed up as Elly May Clampett beside a stuffed Jethro Bodine. Her beads were twine, and she hugged a toy dog.
“I was the only live dummy in the bunch,” said Vermillion.
Vermillion has a mitt-ful of trophies, a scrapbook full of pictures, and a lifetime of memories not connected with scarecrowing.
“I have always been athletic,” said Vermillion. “When I was a young woman, I was very active, always doing some kind of sports. My late husband George and I ran a guest ranch by Elnora for 12 years, and hosted people from all over the world. Trail riding was part of my daily life.”
The active senior and her late husband were no strangers to seniors' competitions like the Palm Springs Olympics and the Seniors Games.
“For two years, George and I won gold medals in dancing at the Palm Spring Olympics,” said Vermillion. “We also competed in bocce ball and horseshoes at the seniors games from 1984 to 1997, when George passed away.”
Widowhood has not stopped the 90-year-old.
“I have been a horseshoer since the early 1970s as well,” added Vermillion, noting that her back is now causing her problems and has curtailed her athletics. “But, I have also done cloth art and one of my pieces hangs over my fireplace.”
A member of the Red Hat Society, Vermillion has travelled around Central Alberta with her friends, spreading good cheer and an enduring enthusiasm for life.
“We put on a travelling fashion-comedy show for a couple of years that included our ‘Queen' and ‘Prince Philip ‘which just cracked up our audiences,” said Vermillion. “I just can't sit still.”
In the meantime, she is looking forward to the 2014 Scarecrow Festival, which will run from October 11 to 13.
“I'm keeping my plans to myself,” said Vermillion. “If I'm going to scare my visitors, I have to keep it a surprise.”
