Scarecrow in the Park returns for 19th year in Bernardston

“Dragonfly,” created by Maureen and Abby Shaw, won the award for prettiest scarecrow at Bernardston’s Scarecrow in the Park event in 2021. The 19th annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

“Dragonfly,” created by Maureen and Abby Shaw, won the award for prettiest scarecrow at Bernardston’s Scarecrow in the Park event in 2021. The 19th annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/CHRIS LARABEE

This display, called “Mother Earth Needs a Break,” was awarded the funniest scarecrow at Bernardston’s Scarecrow in the Park event in 2020. The 19th annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

This display, called “Mother Earth Needs a Break,” was awarded the funniest scarecrow at Bernardston’s Scarecrow in the Park event in 2020. The 19th annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/MARY BYRNE

Tractors parade down the street during Scarecrow in the Park in Bernardston in 2018. The 19th annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

Tractors parade down the street during Scarecrow in the Park in Bernardston in 2018. The 19th annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

By LIESEL NYGARD

For the Recorder

Published: 10-17-2023 7:10 PM

BERNARDSTON — Live music and several vendors will be found at Cushman Park this weekend, as Scarecrow in the Park returns for its 19th year of fall celebration.

Located at the corner of Routes 5 and 10, the festival will kick off Friday night at 6 p.m. with a concert by Chick’n’Wire and dinner.

Tickets for the meal and concert, which raise money for the Bernardston Firefighters Association, are available for $20, and include the choice of a burger and fries or chicken tenders and fries, a commemorative glass and the first pour of local brews. Tickets can be purchased by contacting any Fire Department member, or by sending a message to the department on Facebook or Instagram.

On Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., people can walk around Cushman Park to view the homemade scarecrows — which must be completed in time for judging on Friday afternoon — and listen to live music.

Karen Stinchfield, who has been involved in organizing the event for 10 years alongside the Bernardston Kiwanis Club, said attendees can also meet any of the event’s 73 vendors, including artists and craftspeople, that represent a wide range of specialties.

“We have a glassblower … a guy who does ceramic tiles that are just stunningly gorgeous and interesting. We’ve got a basket maker … three different people who make soaps … lots of gorgeous jewelry,” she said. “My mantra is always to start your holiday shopping at Scarecrow in the Park.”

The festival, which raises money for the Kiwanis Club’s scholarship fund, will feature 10 musicians performing throughout the weekend, including Gary Pierce, The Franklin County Pepsteppers, Drew Patton’s 1940s Hit Parade, the Falltown String Band, Scullery Maid, Eli Elkus, Carolyn Walker, The Can Collectors and Helen Arbour. A newly formed band, Preemption Road, will also take the stage Sunday afternoon.

“If you are a music lover, come and be in attendance for their very first performance,” Stinchfield said of Preemption Road. “If they go on to be a local sensation, you’ll get to say, ‘I was there the very first time they played.’”

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People have until 2 p.m. on Friday to install their scarecrows in Cushman Park to be in the running for any of the scarecrow contest’s five categories: scariest, funniest, prettiest, the most interesting use of materials and a rotating theme, which is reading this year, Stinchfield explained. The winner of each category is awarded a $100 cash prize.

The $5 contest registration forms are available at Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop and at Cushman Library, where Stinchfield is director.

Free hayrides to Cushman Park will be offered to those who park at the Ryther House field, located off Burrows Turnpike Road, Stinchfield said. The service will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Other events scheduled for this weekend include a tractor parade at noon on Saturday; and a variety of activities offered by the Senior Center, including a tag sale on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a raffle, available on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Powers Institute Museum, located above the Senior Center at 20 Church St., will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendants will be on hand to answer questions about the various artifacts on display.

Updated information on this weekend’s events can be found on the Scarecrow in the Park Facebook page at facebook.com/scarecrowinthepark.