Fest success was something to scarecrow about
Bothwell has bid farewell to Archie the mascot following another successful Scarecrow festival.
Mary Poppins, Poppy the troll and a LOL Doll were just a few of the amazing scarecrows on display as part of the two-week event which drew to close at the weekend.
Once again, the community came together to support the festival, which has gone from strength to strength since it began nine years ago.
It’s estimated that over the 10 days 30,000 visitors were attracted to the area to join in the festival atmosphere. Events included the ever popular comedy night, gala concert, a farmers’ market, fun run, football tournament and family cycle to name few.
Super Scarecrow Street was won by Douglas Drive, but the participation of all Bothwell residents and the imagination shown was fantastic.
The strategically-placed buskers along the Main Street added another carnival element to the weekend, while the Musicfest stage in the arena added a true festival vibe.
The rain didn’t deter the funseekers at the parade on Sunday and as promised the sun came out just as Jumbo Gibson took to the stage.
Lead singer Steven Blood said: “The whole ethos of the Musicfest as I see it evolving is to find hungry, upcoming talent, young and old, with at least some original music to showcase. There are loads of great bands out there that need somewhere decent to play.”
Joe Mulholland, chairman of Bothwell Scarecrow Committee, said: “This event is growing year on year and can only be described as an overwhelming success.
“We are grateful to the members of the local community and businesses who supported it, and turned out on mass to enjoy the many events – there really was something for everyone!
“Without that support, there wouldn’t be a festival. We want to encourage community involvement and just get the community coming together and having fun.
“We’re already talking about next year and plan to make it bigger and better than ever. But for now, it’s time to bid farewell to our Scarecrow mascot, Archie.”