Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
BFG wins in straw
A host of fascinating characters filled the Westgate Gardens and Toddlers Cove for the second annual scarecrow trail.
Almost 50 homemade efforts were created by enthusiastic supporters, ranging from Spongebob Squarepants to Lady Gaga – and even several married couples.
An estimated 1,000 people enjoyed the fun after buying a scarecrow trail map and going on a journey of discovery. Visitors were then able to vote for their favourite characters.
The winning entry, from Canterbury’s Emmanuel Church, was a papier mache of Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant, netting a prize of £50.
Second place was awarded to the Hopping Mad entry from the residents of Cranmer House. Third place went to the 14th Canterbury Cubs and Scouts with their Everything is Awesome creation.
Herne Infants scooped the best school award and every scarecrow received a glossy rosette in Westgate Parks colours.
Youngsters from the 14th Canterbury Cubs and Scouts helped during the day by selling trail maps and handing out voting slips and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Cllr George and Lillian Metcalfe, handed out prizes on the Tower House terrace.
Westgate Parks development officer Anna Bell said: “The trail was a wonderful community event which was enjoyed by all ages. A short downpour failed to deter visitors and the fantastic attendance has shown how popular the scarecrow trail has become. Roll on next year.”