RIGHT now, the main streets of Comboyne are alive with the colour and creativity of more than 60 scarecrows thanks to the inaugural Comboyne Scarecrow Festival.
The interactive scarecrow trail leads festival-goers around the main streets of Comboyne and into local businesses such as Udder Cow Cafe, Eclectic and the Comboyne Farm Store. After viewing the entries, attendees can cast their People’s Choice vote for best scarecrow.
Scarecrows include “Frida Cowlo” outside of Gnostic Barn; and “Betsy the Cat”, with her blueberry burglar, by local artist Leah Doeland, outside of the Comboyne Community Centre. Other scarecrow designs include farmers, a fireman, a robot, a surfer, multiple cows, and even an avocado.
“It is a great display of the creativity in our community,” festival-goer Joshua Howle told News Of The Area.
Owners of the Comboyne Farm Store, Kellie-Jo and Alastair McLaren, were involved in creating the festival.
Mr and Mrs McLaren stated that the festival brought people all the way from Newcastle to the small country town.
“It’s our first time in Comboyne, my family came for the festival, and now we will definitely be back,” Port Macquarie local Mr Howle said.
The success of the inaugural festival has ensured it will continue in the future.
Mr McLaren said that the Festival was a low-cost day out for families and a great opportunity for visitors to explore Comboyne – describing it as a unique gateway to the waterfalls with much to offer.
The Festival will run until 11 October and the winners’ presentation will occur at the Comboyne Ex Servicemen’s and Citizens Club on Friday 16 October.
One scarecrow will win first prize, with three other smaller prizes to follow.
Voting forms from festival-goers placed in ballot boxes will go in the draw to win more than $1000 worth of additional prizes that are awaiting announcement.
Mr McLaren encourages those interested in attending the festival to “come on up and enjoy true country hospitality”.
By Shalise LEESFIELD
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