This year marks the 12th Annual Fall Fair and Scarecrow Festival in Windermere, and it’s coming up faster than you think.
The Windermere Community Association has begun to make plans and prepare for the event, which is set for September 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission for adults is $5, and $3 for kids up to 15 years old. Children under 5 years old get free admission.
“We are excited to add a ‘Live Scarecrow’ parade for everyone to dress up, march, play instruments, bring their dressed-up pets and more,” said event chair Cheri Hann.
The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will start on the south side of the Windermere Elementary School.
Those wishing to participate in the parade are asked to begin lining up at the school at 10:15 a.m.
The parade will be lead by Itsy & Bitsy, a performing team from Cranbrook, who will be stilt-walking while leading the parade procession through the fairgrounds.
The parade also doubles as a fun contest, with those who dressed up as scarecrows or with dressed up pets judged for prizes.
Also new to the fair this year is the Wife Carrying Race.
Husbands who enter must carry their wives (piggy-back, over the shoulder, etc.) over a short course, with a “piggy” keg of beer as their prize. However, participants need not be married to join the competition.
Contestants will race two pairs at a time, with a man’s belt as an allowed prop, and there is a 10-second penalty for dropping the wife or whomever is being carried.
Advanced couples can opt to enter the Wheelbarrow Wife Carrying Obstacle Race.
Bill Ayrton is organizing this event and is the one to contact for registering at 250-342-3123.
“Anne Riches will be catering again and Eileen Bilodeau is organizing food and beverages, so we know the food will be spectacular,” said Hann.
Registration for artisans and craftspeople is also open. Booking a vendor space is $25, and the deadline is September 1. For space contact Wendy Behan at 250-342-6210 or email hornings@telus.net
Performers and live music is planned for the fair, and the “Kidz Only” area and events (organized by the David Thompson Secondary School Leadership Class) will be back again this year with a variety of contests and other competitions.
Other events, displays and fun things to do, include face-painting and the Windermere Fire Department’s Foam-Splash-Down, as well as tug-o-war events.
“Plans are well under way, and volunteers are always welcome,” said Hann.
“We really want to encourage individuals and businesses to also get involved and enter their scarecrow displays.”
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Cheri Hann at 250-341-3383 (email at justforu@telus.net) or call WCA President Jo-El Buerlen at 250-342-3550.