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| Check out the Cambria Scarecrow Festival in October. |
Scarecrow Festival is Cambria tradition in October
Cambria businesses, residents and organizations put together more than 300 scarecrows in October
Did you ever wonder where the term scarecrow came from and
why they were created? Well, it seems these eclectic figures found in farm
fields throughout the world originated to actually “scare crows.” Crows are
very advantageous birds and know how to benefit from a farmer’s efforts in
spreading seeds.
In olden times these birds consumed not only the seeds being
planted but the eventual crops, and they ate so much corn and wheat that often
farmers lacked enough food to get through the winter months. Thus, the
ingenious field laborers constructed life-size figures made with pieces of
cloth or old clothing stuffed with straw to stand out in the fields and
discourage the ravenous crows.
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Scarecrows have been made famous in movies, some of them in
rather sinister roles, but the most well-known is the scarecrow searching for a
brain in the “Wizard of Oz.” Today we can see famous scarecrows too. Just visit
the coastal town of Cambria during the month of October for their successful
Scarecrow Festival presented by the Cambria Historical Society.
In 2009 the first festival presented 30 scarecrows lining
the sidewalks and streets of town. People loved them and by 2012 the festival
boasted 370 scarecrows. Each year locals and visitors alike can’t wait to see
what new and unique creations will show up. Thousands of folks pour into town
and stroll up and down taking photos of the artful creations.
“It all started with people viewing the scarecrows we had at
the museum for the annual Harvest Festival,” Sue Robinson said. Robinson, a
Festival volunteer is up to her neck in straw bales processing new applications
for this year’s festival.
Merchants and individuals who want to create a scarecrow attend
classes that the Festival Committee holds. Volunteers, including an art teacher
and a professional artist, guide learners in making the papier mache figure,
doing the painting, building the body frame, and dressing the scarecrows.
2013 brings something new to the festival. Technology has
caught up to the simple scarecrow and each one is equipped with a QR code enabling
users of smart phones and tablets to scan the figures and find out fascinating
details about them such as the name of the figure, the inspiration for it, and
the sponsor. You’ll be able to rate them, post their picture to Facebook and
even create your own custom map of your top choices.
The Cambria Scarecrow Festival now joins with other
scarecrow festivals world wide as one of the most successful and fun fall
festivals. So be sure to travel up Highway 1 to the pine-laden town of Cambria
from October 1 through October 31, 2013 and become acquainted with Cambria’s
scarecrows.
– By Ruth Ann Angus, San Luis Obispo County Visitors Guide
Recommended businesses in and around Cambria
Motel in Cambria
6656 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-5888
Cambria Realtor
770 Main St
Cambria , CA 93428
(805) 927-2474
Cayucos Realtor
299 Cayucos Dr
Cayucos, CA 93430
(805) 234-4315
Cambria painter
1982 Londonderry Lane
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1604
Cambria general contractor
788 Arlington Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-8138
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