A QUACKING good time by all was had last Saturday (August 16) for the annual Evesham Scarecrow Festival.
Under hot sunny skies, hundreds of families gathered alongside the river Avon at Hampton Ferry to enjoy live music and entertainment as well as the chance to unleash their creativity with a scarecrow building competition.
At 4pm the crowds took to the riverbank to watch more than 1,000 of rubber ducks released into the slack waters by Rotary in the Vale members from a giant green dragon boat courtesy of Avon River Activities and gently make their way to the finishing line at the ferry.
Meanwhile, a public vote on the 25 scarecrow entries for the King of the Crows Scarecrow Competition resulted in first place awarded to Honey the Scarebee made by best friends 11-year-old Jaycee Norton and Kelsey Parry age 10.
Second place went to Henrician created by members of Evesham Operatic and Drama Society (EODS) who were there to promote their next show, Our House in November.
Co-organiser of the festival Nyree Riley said: “The sun was shining and everyone looked like they were having a fantastic day. It was a massive family effort, I am so proud our family helped me and Toyah [sister-in-law] on the day as we couldn’t do it without them.”
“This year we raised £1,662.50 for St Richard Hospice with the festival and Easter family fun day at Hampton ferry. We are looking forward to starting planning for next year.”
Mayor’s Choice Award went to scarecrow number 11 by James Mullinger.
George Lack, from Rotary in the Vale, added: “It was great to see the crowds cheering the final winning ducks and children helping their collection for another race next year.
“We are grateful to Hampton Ferry, Evesham Scarecrow Festival, Avon River Activities Evesham for an excellent day and to the public that all attended this great event.”
Duck Race results:
First place – Sue Amor
Second place – Katie Highy
Third place – James Onorevole
Large duck race
First place – Innovations
Best Dressed Duck – Raphael’s at Hampton Ferry
Best Window Display – The Bait Box
Evesham Duck Hunt winners – Beatrix and Rowan
Best Behaved Duck in the Race – Wallace House Community Centre ( it managed to stay upright during the whole race)
