Festival of Scarecrows in Arvada on October 9 October 9, 2010

Arvada Festivals Commission & Downtown Arvada Partnership
14th Annual Festival of Scarecrows
The scarecrow form continues a tradition that goes back hundreds - if not thousands of years -
and brings back fond memories of simpler days.
On Saturday, October 9 the Arvada Festivals Commission and the Downtown Arvada Partnership presents the 14th Annual Festival of Scarecrows. Scarecrows of all shapes, sizes and costumes will be popping up all over from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Arvada’s Olde Town. 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. 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 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 admission to the Maze is a donation of canned goods for the Arvada Community Food Bank.
Lots of community booths including food, “spook-tacular” face painting, animal balloon tying, and fun and games.
Enter a pumpkin in the Giant Pumpkin Contest and see pumpkins of amazing sizes – past winners have exceeded 200 lbs! Presented by the Arvada Gardeners, weigh-in is at 1 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.
This year, as part of the Festival of Scarecrows, the Arvada Historical Society is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Arvada Water Tower with festivities that start at 2 p.m. at the foot of the Water Tower, south of the train tracks near Olde Wadsworth Blvd.
City Council members will be on hand to start the celebration with a few words and the Arvada Fire Protect District will have the 1925 Dodge fire truck on display along with other department vehicles. Firemen will be on hand to discuss modern fire and rescue techniques that have improved over the years. In 1910, at the original celebration of the new Water Tower, the water pressure was so strong it knocked the firemen off of their feet.
Entertainment for the anniversary celebration is provided by Pomona High School Choir and the celebration will be topped off with an anniversary cake.
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 Downtown Arvada Partnership
14th Annual Festival of Scarecrows
A day of free, fun festivities for the entire family.
Saturday, October 9
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Olde Town Arvada, W. 57th Ave. & Olde Wadsworth
303-420-6100
www.arvadafestivals.com.