This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/20/2022 02:30 PMScarecrows will line the streets in Essex with the Essex Board of Trade (BOT) hosting its annual Scarecrow Lamppost Presentation.
The month-long annual tradition means the sight of homemade scarecrow figures lining the roads at various points along the Main Streets of the town’s three villages, all of which to be created by Essex town residents and local businesses.
The display of the scarecrows is marked by the BOT to begin on Friday, Oct. 7, and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite creation throughout the month. Voting residents can submit their vote at six different locations in town, including J. Alden Clothiers, the Connecticut River Museum, Savour Café, Blue Hound Cookery, Ivoryton Library, and Elite Nutrition. The winning scarecrow will be announced on Halloween night over social media, on the Instagram page @experienceessex and the BOT’s Facebook page
“It’s always a lovely fall, festive day in Essex,” said Susan Dee, president of the BOT. “It really is a warm and friendly-family event. The lamppost connects the three villages of Essex, Ivoryton, and Centerbrook. As Essex BOT president, we try very hard to represent the three villages.”
This year will mark the second time the BOT has employed a theme for its scarecrow crafters, with the first day of their presentation being the opening event to the Scarecrow FestiFALL to the following day, Saturday, Oct. 8, taking place throughout Essex Village. The BOT’s theme this year is inspired by the 1993 fantasy film “Hocus Pocus.” According to Dee, scarecrows do need to be based on the theme, but artists are nonetheless encouraged to make their best creations. Submissions must be sent by Friday, Sept. 30 to three locations in town, including J. Alden, Coldwell Banker, and the Library.
“We’re so excited for this year’s event,” said Stacia Libby, town Selectman and the chairwoman of the event. “As always, this year’s FestiFALL will be a well-rounded and lively experience that appeals to families, residents and visitors alike!”.
The theme of last year’s FestiFALL was based on The Wizard of Oz, with scarecrows resembling characters from the classic film, including the flying monkeys and the Tin Man.
Libby said the inspiration for the theme came from upcoming release of a second Hocus Pocus movie at the end of the month on the streaming service Disney+, and saw it as an appropriate choice given the kid-friendly nature of the movie, and its timeliness regarding its “autumn vibe,” according to Libby, who has a preference for the fall season.
“This is my favorite time of the year. If it could stay like this all year long, that would be a win-win,” said Libby. The chairwoman is also part of the Ivoryton Witches, a group who dance as part of the Ivoryton Village Pumpkin Festival, and dressed up as the Wicked Witch of the West during the FestiFALL last year.
“Any opportunity I can get to dance or dress up like a witch, or do something for the community that gets me the ability to hone in on some of the things that I love about fall is something that I enjoy.”
Libby said that along with the opportunity to create and vote on the best scarecrow, there is also an alternative option for crafting a creative broom, once again in keeping with the witch-esque theme.
A variety of events throughout the village will be held during the Friday and Saturday dates of the FestiFALL, beginning with the Twilight Tour of River View Cemetery, a guided look at the history and evolution of the cemetery grounds, 17th and 18th century burial practices, and historical stones of its ancient section. The tour will take place on Friday, Oct 7. From 4 to 5:15 p.m., with admission costing $5 per person. The following day, the Connecticut River Museum will have all-day free admission for children under the age of 12, and the first 100 children to arrive at the museum will win a take-home a scarecrow craft, according to Dee
In keeping with the theme of the scarecrow presentation, guest appearances from the Sanderson Sisters, the three witches of Hocus Pocus will appear at Mama’s Garden, then fly down to Essex Park Town where residents will have a chance to take photographs with the witches. Mama’s Garden will also be the starting point of the kids-oriented Scavenger Hunt. According to Dee, the hunt will carry on down Main Street, with maps supplied to young participants.
The festival will conclude on the lawn at Main Street Park with a showing of Hocus Pocus at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character from the film.