The weather was crisp and clear Saturday morning when people began gathering on the lawn of Wiscasset’s municipal building to build their scarecrows for the kickoff of this year’s Scarecrowfest. Local businesses and families can participate in the contest by building scarecrows to be judged and awarded prizes next Saturday during the festival.

Among the first to arrive were Leslie Hunter, her husband Loren and Mary Beth Brandt representing Chewonki Foundation’s outdoor education, elementary and middle school. They entered two scarecrows, one created by adults, the other by the first and second graders.

Previously held on the common, Scarecrowfest is back at the municipal building, which Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce said will allow for inclement weather. The hope is the building and tents will provide cover for the activities if it rains.

The Chamber’s Pat Cloutier is excited about some changes to this year’s festival. She explained there will be vendors, something the festival has not had in the past. She is also grateful to have sponsors this year. The money they have provided will help offset the cost of the festival.

Returning this year will be Maine Obsolete Auto League with a display of vintage cars along with the Chili/Chowder/Pumpkin Dessert Challenge, face painting, stories, games and scarecrow-building for the children. There also will be a movie starting at sunset. 

Wiscasset’s Parks and Recreation, working with the Chamber to produce the event, created a scavenger hunt to start Monday, Oct. 10. Find out more at wiscassetme.myrec.com

Wiscasset Police Chief Larry Hesseltine is looking forward to building scarecrows with the kids on Saturday, Oct. 15. Most of the scarecrows will stay up for display on the lawn of the municipal building, so take a look, and don’t miss the fun-filled day of the festival Oct. 15.