Thousands flock to scarecrow trail

0
2166
- Advertisement -

More than 2000 people have embarked on the streets of Methven for an annual attraction.

The Methven Scarecrow Trail runs for the two weeks of the April school holidays each year, so this year’s trail will finish on Sunday.

Children and the young at heart have been walking between the 35 scarecrows to work out what animated movie character each represents, and fill out a trail map with their best guess. Winning entries and makers of the most popular scarecrows will be awarded with prizes at the end of the trail.

Residents, businesses and schools all get involved in making the scarecrows and enjoy watching people discover their creations.

Gillian Heald organises the event with her daughter and grand daughter.

Heald said on Monday she was having to print more trail maps, which suggested there had been close to 2000 people participating so far.

She said the trail started from ‘‘small beginnings’’ in 2006, aimed at bringing more visitors to the town.

‘‘Then it grew and grew until now it’s so popular we have to limit the number of scarecrows.’’

Hairdresser Mary Cressey has taken part in the event for at least six years. She made her latest scarecrow design entirely out of recycled materials.

Mary Cressey with her scarecrow creation. PHOTO EMILY O’HAGAN.

‘‘This year was a joint effort with myself and friends. We had the idea of using tyres and then went to a friend’s house to get some tools and just went through her workshop and found different things.’’

Cressey said she enjoys getting involved.

‘‘It’s fun seeing the kids running around getting fresh air, it gives the adults something to do with the kids over the holidays. It brings so many people to the town.’’