You don’t need a brain from the wizard to know downtown Oxford’s annual Scarecrow Festival offers tons of fun for the entire family.
The popular autumn event returns to quaint Centennial Park on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
‘It’s just a good way to celebrate fall and really, celebrate downtown Oxford,? said Joe Frost, director of the Oxford Downtown Development Authority (DDA). ‘It’s centered right in the heart of the historic area.?
This year’s festival will include a hay maze and pumpkin bowling for kids, an inflatable obstacle course, live musical entertainment, hay rides, the opportunity to climb all over a real Oxford fire truck and trick-or-treating at local businesses.
Frost is still recruiting merchants willing to be part of the official trick-or-treating route. Not only is it a fun activity for the kiddies, but it gives parents an opportunity to check out downtown businesses they might not otherwise frequent.
‘We’re encouraging (businesses) to participate,? Frost said.
There will be plenty to eat with a chili cook-off between downtown restaurants beginning at 11 a.m.. So far, three eateries are registered to compete ? Sullivan’s Public House, the Ox Bar & Grill and ‘Wiches.
Looking for dessert after all that yummy chili? Satisfy that sweet tooth, and get a little messy in the process, by participating in a pie-eating contest, sponsored by Achatz Handmade Pie Co. That will happen at 12:30 p.m.
Folks in the mood for hot apple cider and baked goods can hop on the hay wagon and ride it to Merge Studio and Gallery, located at 33 Pleasant St. There, Idle Awhile Coffee will be serving up plenty of sweet fall favorites.
There’s still time for homeowners and businesses to participate in the scarecrow-building contest.
‘Wildcats? is this year’s theme.
Folks can create scarecrows that resemble anything from the beloved mascot to ‘a favorite teacher,? according to Frost.
‘It’s open to interpretation,? he said. ‘There’s a little bit of leeway in that theme.?
All scarecrows must be built from scratch. No kits are allowed.
They must be self-supporting, no taller than 7 feet and ‘in good taste? as this is a family-oriented event.
Scarecrows must be complete and on display before Monday, Oct. 5 because that’s when photographs will be taken for judging purposes. Prizes will be awarded for Most Traditional Wildcat, Most Creative Wildcat and Best Use of Recycled or Reused Materials.
To register for the scarecrow contest, visit www.oxfordscarecrowfestival.com or turn in an entry form at the DDA office (22 W. Burdick St.). There is no entry fee.
Merge is sponsoring a costume contest and registration for that begins at 11 a.m. on the day of the festival.
All contest winners (scarecrow, chili cook-off, costumes) will be announced in the park at 3:30 p.m.