Crowing about the Coolamon Scarecrow Festival

The local crows have no hope of making pests of themselves when Coolamon’s main street comes alive with both hand-made and live scarecrows during the inaugural Coolamoon Scarecrow Festival.

With the idea initially talked about some years ago the first Coolamon Scarecrow Festival will kick- off on Sunday, 30 September in Coolamon’s Cowabbie Street, where events will happen from 9am until 4pm.

Scarecrow Festival coordinator, Col Patterson, said locals as well as those from outside the Shire were encouraged to try their hand at creating a Scarecrow or dressing like one.

Prize money of $500, sponsored by Wagga Mutual Credit Union, will be awarded to the person judged as having the best hand-made scarecrow, while $300, sponsored by Coolamon Rotary Club, would be awarded to the best live scarecrow.

“The Scarecrow Festival is something a bit different for Coolamon and will be a great day out for the whole family,” Col said.

Col said already more than 25 people had entered static scarecrows into the festival with more registering every day.

“The static scarecrows will be displayed along the main street from 9am on the day, while the live dressed-up scarecrows will be judged from 10.30am, with the winner announced in the afternoon.”

As well as checking out the scarecrow entries, there will also be a huge variety of activities and entertainment for both adults and the kids.

“We have about 50 stalls booked in, which range from food to craft stalls, helicopter rides, face painting, a vintage car display, monster raffle, live entertainment, which includes the Kapooka Army Band and Josh McKellar, plus plenty of other activities for the kids.”

“We are really looking forward to it and the long-range weather forecast says we will have a fine, sunny spring day, which will make it a lovely day out.”