New scarecrow-making contest to begin

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This article was published 25/09/2020 (1930 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dig out your old hats and patched shirts — you might need them for the Macdonald-Headingley Recreation District’s latest challenge.

The MHRD is hosting a Build Your Own Scarecrow contest. The organization will drop off free scarecrow-making supply kits to registered households on Fri., Oct. 23. 

The contents of the kits are a surprise; however, people can get creative and use what they’ve got at home to make their scarecrow stand out. 

“That’s the best part,” said Karen Lough, the MHRD’s program director, noting that if everyone used the same supplies, the scarecrows would look homogeneous.

Groups who finish their scarecrow have until 8 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 26 to send the MHRD a picture. Organizers are still deciding how the contestants will be judged, Lough said.

The contest is a collaborative effort: households will get one kit to share.

It’s a community-building exercise, Lough said. When the scarecrows are completed, the makers can put them up for display in their yards and people can walk or drive by to view their creation — physical distancing is a built-in part of the entertainment.

Lough added that there’s uncertainty about Halloween, but the scarecrow contest can bring some regular autumn spirit.

As of Sept. 21, 18 groups had registered to build scarecrows. Those interested must register by Fri., Oct. 16 by visiting mhrd.ca or calling 204-885-2444.