Economists are predicting a major upswing in local straw sales as Oxford prepares for its Third Annual Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Centennial Park will once again play host to the fun-filled fall festival centered around the amazing straw creations of local residents and businesses.
Those wishing to enter a scarecrow in this year’s contest must have it set up and registered by Saturday, October 8.
Registration forms are available at the following offices ? Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, Village of Oxford and Oxford Downtown Development Authority.
A registration form is also available on Page 15.
According to Amanda Cassidy, executive director of the DDA, the top 20 scarecrows will be selected by the DDA’s Promotion Committee and their creators invited to set them up in the park the day of the festival.
The crowd will then vote for their favorite scarecrows, choosing the top three residential entries and the top business entry which will receive the coveted Crow Award.
Last year, Center Stage Dance Company waltzed away with the Crow Award. The Metamora Canine Academy won it the year before.
But creative scarecrows aren’t the only attraction at this year’s festival.
Members of local service groups, such as the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, will battle it out head-to-head in a chili cook-off to be judged by festival-goers.
All the chili must be cooked from scratch in the park and ready to serve to the public at 11 a.m., Cassidy said. From sample cups to heaping bowls, everyone will be sure to get their fill.
Top off that chili with a seasonal dessert. From Victoria’s Delights? bread pudding to cookies baked and donated by local churches, your autumn sweet tooth will be satisfied.
As always, kids and pets are more than welcome at this year’s festival.
From scarecrow crafts to pumpkin decorating, there will be plenty of fall activities to keep the little ones entertained.
Got a cute pet? Got a costume idea for your four-legged friend? Then bring the furry little guy to the park.
Show off your costumed critter in the annual pet parade through the park then enter him or her in the pet costume contest. Festival-goers will do the judging and the top three pets will win prizes.
Those who enjoy good tunes will love the swinging sounds of the Barn Stormers, a local band who will be performing a delightful mix of oldies and country music from the gazebo.
For more information about the Scarecrow Festival call the Oxford DDA at (248) 628-3095.