Bigger And Better Scarecrow Festival Returning To Somers

SOMERS, CT — The Somers Scarecrow Festival is about to embark on its third year, but this time, there will be even more family-friendly activities than ever before.

The festival, which also includes a pumpkin carving contest, farmers market, classic car show and craft fair, is slated for Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Four Town Fairgrounds on Egypt Road. Suggested admission is just $2 for adults and free for kids. All money raised goes to Somers Social Services, including its Adopt a Family Christmas Program.

"We have a team behind us this year, more people are helping out, and I am grateful to have all hands on deck," event coordinator Kara Wolters said.

Several food trucks will offer a variety of delicacies, including chicken, pizza, seafood and tacos. Live music will be performed throughout the day, photos may be taken in front of a monster truck, and many raffle prizes will be up for grabs.

An expanded Kids Zone will consist of games, a costume contest, trick or treating, a bounce house, face painting, glitter tattoos, a magician, balloon animals and a pumpkin patch. However, more all-ages games are being added, bringing enjoyment for kids of all ages.

A highlight of the game area will be "Genevieve's Sweet Shot," inaugurated last year in memory of Somers High School student Genevieve Neiman. A version of the popular carnival dime toss game, players landing their coins completely within a spot win a Geissler's cake. Residents wishing to contribute cakes may do so by simply visiting Geissler's, where they will be on sale for $6. The supermarket staff delivers the cakes to the fairgrounds the morning of the event.

The scarecrow contest will award prizes in several categories - funny, scary, business, TV/movies, most creative, and 10 and under. Unlike past years, the competition is open to anyone wishing to participate, not just Somers residents. The rules for entry are:

1. No store-bought scarecrows.
2. No political or activism scarecrows.
3. Scarecrows must be able to fit in a 6’ x 6’ footprint assembled.
4. Entries deemed offensive, political, not family friendly, or not in the good-natured spirit of the event will be removed.
5. Votes will be cast in person on Oct. 22 during the event.
6. All scarecrows must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 21 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 22.
7. Entrants are responsible for setup, and must ensure their scarecrow can withstand the elements.

Similarly, the pumpkin carving contest is open to the public, and will be judged by categories - funniest, scariest, best representation of a character, most creative and classic. The rules:

1. No artificial pumpkins.
2. No painted pumpkins; carved pumpkins only.
3. All entries must have a light source; no candles or open flame.
4. No political or activism pumpkins.
5. Entries deemed offensive, political, not family friendly, or not in the good-natured spirit of the event will be removed.
6. Votes will be cast in person on Oct. 22 during the event.
7. All pumpkins must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 21 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 22.

Wolters said more volunteers are welcome, as well as donations including raffle prizes. More information may be found on the festival's Facebook page.