It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Mahone Bay, N.S. – the annual Scarecrow Festival is currently underway with more than 250 handmade creations all over town. Organizers say the event started back in 1996 as a way of drawing people to the area during the off season. “Four local businesswomen decided that when summer left so did the visitors, so they thought they needed a shoulder season event, and they created a handful of scarecrows. By about the year 2000 there was about 40 to 50,” explained Sylvia Jackson with Signature Festivals of Mahone Bay. “The scarecrow festival has grown well beyond their original wishes, their original intent. They’re thrilled, they’re all still around helping us out.” Many new artists took part in this year’s festival, which kicked off on Sept. 25. and wraps up on Thanksgiving. Jackson says the scarecrows will still be on display after Oct. 13, depending on the weather. “(It’s) for everyone to come walk through the town, explore the shops, explore the vignettes, get your picture taken with all sorts of wonderful creations. Many of them are set up for Instagram-worthy photos,” she said. Scarecrow pirates, Elvis Presley, King Charles and The Cat in the Hat are among this year’s creations, including a special pop-culture feature. “Where’s Waldo is here. He gets moved every day, he’s always a fun thing to find,” Jackson said. The event draws an estimated 30,000 visitors at its peak into the town, which has a population of about 1,000. With files from CTV Atlantic’s Paul DeWitt For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
