For last 15 years early September has found scarecrows popping up all across Ordsall and nearby areas.
Some of these scarecrows are made and displayed by schools, youth groups, businesses and clubs, while others are the creation of individuals and families.
They all come together to create a large-scale event that engages young and old, and helps to foster a real sense of community in Ordsall and south Retford.
This year’s Festival takes place over the weekend of 9th and 10th September, and you are invited to be part of the fun!
Can you build a scarecrow and display it for the public to view?
In previous years scarecrows have taken the form of animals, celebrities, royalty and characters from film and fiction. Your scarecrow can help promote your business or publicise your organisation. It could be serious or light-hearted, comic or poignant… it is entirely up to you.
Your scarecrow will be included on the festival maps sold in advance of the festival. To register for this year’s Festival you must complete a Registration Form, available from hello@owrchurches.co.uk or from All Hallows Church in Ordsall, and return it before 20th August.
You may want to encourage your friends and neighbours to get involved too, as scarecrow spotters are more likely to spend longer in areas with clusters of scarecrows to spot! Why not see if you can make your location a scarecrow ‘hotspot’ on this year’s maps?
For those who may feel that they live beyond the boundaries of the ancient Parish of Ordsall, there is always space for your scarecrow to be part of the festival so don’t let a little thing like geography prevent you from taking part!
Champion Scarecrows
To make the festival even more engaging, scarecrow spotters are encouraged to vote for their favourite scarecrow in the two categories of Individual or Group. The most popular scarecrow in each category will become this year’s winner and holder of the title ‘Most Popular Scarecrow 2023’.
Join in to create another fabulous festival which will again be raising much needed funds to support the Parish Hall in Ordsall – a vital facility widely used by the local community for over a century.