Scarecrows attract attention

It's highly unlikely any crows will feel welcome in downtown Summerville through the rest of the month.

Civic groups, private individuals, businesses and schools descended on Hutchinson Square on Saturday to put together the 63 entries for the Summerville Junior Service League's annual Scarecrows on the Square contest.

"It's fun to see all the different groups that want to participate and their creativity," said Charla Powell, co-chairwoman of the Scarecrows on the Square committee. "It's fun to see the finished product. It's nice to drive by and see families walking through (the square) and enjoying the scarecrows."

The Junior Service League raises money through the contest, using the entry fees to fund some of its own projects and charities. Funds also are raised through cash voting in which spectators can stop by several businesses on the town square to pay a quarter to vote for the best display.

Money from the voting will benefit the Summerville Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management organization.

Chris Cannavaro and his sons, Joe, 7, and Matt, 5, were on the square for their second year, putting together a display for Little Gym.

"We really like it. It's a great event," he said as he attached two child-sized scarecrows to a balance beam. "It's great exposure for the business."

Several businesses have made the contest an annual event. One of the more popular scarecrows each year belongs to dentist Traci Lennon, who annually provides a tooth fairy riding a large toothbrush.

"We've been doing this close to 10 years," hygienist Cheryl Smith said while trying to set up the fairy, who is sporting a cowboy outfit this time. "She's a different theme every year."

Orthodontist Roland Fulcher and his staff were setting up a superhero scarecrow named Braceman, inspired by his 9-year-old daughter, Gracie. Fulcher said he uses the event as a way of breaking through the monotony of office work.

"We have a lot of fun. The staff gets together and gets creative," he said. "It's fun that we can get out and do things outside of the office together. We look forward to it every year."

Businesses aren't the only agencies that take advantage of the exposure the contest can provide. George Jenkins, the president of the Summerville Noon Lions Club got some help toting a small train engine across the square for his club's display.

"This is going to be a sight train going into the tunnel," he said. "Our mission is preventable blindness and hearing. We help people purchase hearing aids and glasses.

"This (contest) helps put the Lions out in front of the public."

Local schools also take a lot of pride in their displays. Eagle Nest Elementary School has joined the contest for the first time with a display that honors Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are."

The Summerville High School French Honor Society created a scarecrow cooking ratatouille, complete with a pot of rubber rats.

Flowertown Elementary fourth-graders and parents were putting the finishing touches on a Western theme.

"I like to build all the stuff and make the decorations," said Meghan Cogdill, who said she and the rest of her student committee at Flowertown Elementary would meet after school to work on the display.

She said it took a lot of time and hard work. "But it was fun, though."

The scarecrows will be on display through Oct. 31.

People can vote for their favorite displays through Oct. 24 at nearby shops. Awards will be given Oct. 27 to the best business, individual, civic and school displays.

Contact Bill Henley at 937-5543 or bhenley@postandcourier.com.