15th Annual Festival of Scarecrows in Arvada October 8, 2011

Arvada Festivals Commission & Historic Olde Town Arvada Association

15th Annual Festival of Scarecrows

Scarecrows in many forms have been around since the Egyptians.

The origins of this friendly (or frightening) figure goes back as far as recorded history.

Arvada Festivals Commission and the Historic Olde Town Arvada Association presents the 15th Annual Festival of Scarecrows. Costumed scarecrows of all shapes and sizes will be popping up all over Arvada’s Olde Town on Saturday, October 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is expanded this year to include two blocks of 57th Avenue. The festival is free and fun for the entire family.

Attendees can vote for favorite scarecrows created by Olde Town businesses, community individuals, businesses and organizations, or, for a $20 entry fee, can enter their own special scarecrow in the Scarecrow Contest. Prizes will be offered in several categories. Judging, by the public, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To enter a scarecrow in the contest, call 303-420-6100.

Activities include Olde Town Hayrides from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at 12:30 p.m., Brewster, the Giant Green Dinosaur will lead little ghosts and goblins in the Costumed Kids’ Parade around Town Square. Every parade entrant receives a bag of goodies! A Kiddies Cornstalk Maze is set up for the little ones and a suggested admission to the Maze is a donation of canned goods for the Arvada Community Food Bank.

Lots of entertainment at 57th Street Kids Beat including “spook-tacular” face painting, animal balloon tying, train rides, inflatables and plenty of games. Cecilia's Little Train scoots along Webster St. for a whole block and kids can ride for a nominal fee. The Arvada Fire Protection District will be on hand with a shiny fire truck; kids get a fire truck lesson (and maybe a tour!) from the Arvada Fire Protection District firemen.

There is always plenty to see, taste and buy at the many of the 35 festival community and food booths.

Enter a pumpkin in the Giant Pumpkin Contest and see pumpkins of amazing sizes – past winners have exceeded 350 lbs! Presented by the Arvada Gardeners, weigh-in is at 1:30 p.m. Arvada Gardeners will also have gourds and cornstalks on sale to celebrate and decorate holiday festivities.



Buy your favorite pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch. Paint your purchase with your favorite spooky or jolly face. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales will be donated to the Arvada Community Food Bank. Proceeds from last year’s Maze and Pumpkin Patch resulted in 400 pounds of canned goods and $800.00 being donated to the Food Bank. To enter a scarecrow in the contest or get more information, call Historic Olde Town Arvada at 303-420-6100 or go to www.arvadafestivals.com.

About the Arvada Community Food Bank.

The mission of the Arvada Community Food Bank is to secure and provide the resources (food, financial and volunteers) necessary to provide critically needed food programs to help meet the hunger and nutritional needs of low to very low-income community members. More information about the Arvada Community Food Bank at www.arvadacommunityfoodbank.org.

Arvada Festivals Commission and the Historic Olde Town Arvada Association 15th Annual Festival of Scarecrows - A day of free, fun festivities for the entire family. Saturday, October 8 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Olde Town Arvada, W. 57th Ave. & Olde Wadsworth - 303-420-6100 - www.arvadafestivals.com.