Look for scare crows to take root in downtown Springfield

The scarecrows are going old-school this Halloween.

After years of themes such as Disney characters and U.S. presidents, Project Scare-a-Crow is going back to where it all started — scarecrows. But don’t expect the same old when it comes to this event.

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About 23 unique scarecrows will go up Thursday, Oct. 5, in the early evening in the second year at its new home, National Road Commons park in downtown Springfield. They’ll stay up until Oct. 27 and once again, everyone can vote on their favorites.

Project Scare-a-Crow is a joint partnership between Project Jericho and National Trail Parks and Recreation.

With this event, there’s more than meets the straw hat according to Kristi Limes, Project Jericho Success Coordinator.

“Crows have been such a problem in downtown Springfield, we’re educating the kids and showing that with art we can solve problems,” Limes said, referring to city’s longtime issue with birds inhabiting downtown.

Six Project Jericho families and several local businesses and organizations are creating their scarecrows with the guidance of Project Jericho artists.

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“Local artists have always been the heart and soul of Project Jericho. This has been a great way for the artists and our families to connect,” Limes said.

As always, the public will be the judges of which scarecrows stand out among those standing up. A ballot box will be available and entry forms. First through third places will earn prizes.

Limes said the scarecrow theme isn’t just limited to the Halloween season.

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“It also relates to the fall harvest season, and you don’t always get to see something that crosses from Halloween into Thanksgiving,” she said.

A good opportunity to see the scarecrows and enjoy another free family-friendly event will be during Chaltoberfest, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at National Road Commons Park.

Commons Park is located between West Main Street and West Columbia Street, two blocks west of Ohio 72.

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