Fairytale ending for scarecrow festival
TARLETON was taken over by weird and wonderful scarecrows as more than 50 residents entered the village’s annual competition.
The Scarecrow Festival, organised by Friends Of Tarleton Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, took place on May 19 and May 20.
Many residents went above and beyond with their creative designs, which were all themed on fairytales and nursery rhymes.
All 52 entrants were asked to make a £1 donation to enter, and there was a summer fair at Tarleton Holy Trinity Primary over the weekend.
The festival, sponsored by Anne Louise Sutton, the owner of Pretty Peas greengrocers, has taken place for the last three years, with more people entering each year.
Four judges inspected each scarecrow before choosing their three favourites.
Hazel Beard and Stephen Sykes took first place with their interpretation of Jack And The Beanstalk and won the top prize of £70.
Nicola Royds took second place, winning £40, with her version of Old McDonald’s farm.
Lucia Ainsworth was awarded third place for creating a Three Billy Goats Gruff scenario and was awarded £20.
A public vote also chose Hazel Beard and Stephen Sykes as winners, gaining them a bottle of champagne and a punnet of strawberries as well.
Event sponsor Anne said: “It was really successful, it gets more popular each year. Everyone is talking about it and saying it was a great atmosphere and a lovely family day out.”
A spokesperson for the Friends of Tarleton Holy Trinity Scarecrow Festival committee, said: “We would like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to help set up and run village fair. We would not be able to run these lovely events without you.
“We would also like to say a special thank you to our judges, who spent a morning looking at the scarecrows and making a very difficult decision.
“And lastly, but most importantly, huge thanks go to Anne at Pretty Peas. She not only sponsors the event, but offers so much of her time helping us organise the event and selling maps. We really couldn’t do this without her.”
It has been confirmed that the festival will return in May next year, with a cartoon theme.