By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
The scarecrows now on display on the grounds of the Wood County Museum are a family affair, even if the youngest member of the team can do little more than toddle around the stuffed creation.
That was the case for Jessica and Lauren Sanderson, from Cygnet. Their daughter Carlie was happy just wandering around the farmer that her parents had just erected.
The farmer scarecrow was equipped for the times, wearing a mask, and carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer.
“It kind of reflects 2020,” Jessica Sanderson said.
This was the first time the family participated in the event, which is now in its 19th year.
“There’s not a lot of kids activities out there,” Lauren Sanderson said.
Lucas McClellan, 10, and his “Nana,” Diane McClellan, were also first timers. “Lila,” the scarecrow Lucas named after his dog, was also wearing a mask, made from Halloween-themed fabric.
McClellan said they decided to enter the contest because her grandson was spending the day with her, and they had nothing planned.
So, they rummaged through the closet and bought a bale of straw.
They didn’t know how hard it would be as they started.
Lucas said the biggest challenge was keeping track of their equipment. “We almost lost the stapler like seven times.”
Clint Weckesser, leader of Cub Scout Pack 485 is an old hand at setting up the scarecrow. He’s been doing it for five years, and the pack from St. Aloysius was participating for years before that.
While he was responsible for setting it up just the way his young charges would want it, the ideas came from them.
“Kids bring their own clothes and gear,” he said. “They can make whatever they like. They design faces and bodies. We just guide them and get the supplies they need.”
Laura West said she and her parents have created a scarecrow for the past three years. It’s an activity to do with her 4-year-old son Matthew Pickens. “We always have fun with it.”
That includes Matthew’s grandfather, Mark West, who was busy putting the final touches on Goliath the Troll.
The Ramm family also drew on pop culture for their inspiration.
Ashley Ramm and her daughters Hannah and Madison created a scarecrow of the character Georgie, who met a tragic end in the movie “It,” the girls’ favorite horror film.
Ramm said she homeschools the girls, and three years ago this came up as a good activity. They’ve been participating ever since.
The girls said they like scary movies, even if they do have the occasional nightmare.
“They’re cool to watch and I like to be scared,” Hannah said.
“I never get nightmares from scary movies,” Madison said, “only like some that are too scary.”
Georgie and the rest of the scarecrows will remain on display through Oct. 25. Cash prizes are awarded to those judged the best.
