Scarecrow Festival returns to WCH

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For the first time in years, the sight of amusement rides, the smell of festival food and the roar of a crowd took over downtown Washington Court House as the Scarecrow Festival returned.

The 2016 Scarecrow Festival officially opened noon Friday with a short opening ceremony. Organizers said Friday afternoon that there is plenty to do at the three-day festival this year. With a plethora of food options, fun carnival games and rides, music at the main stage and vendors galore, they said they hope there is a little bit of something for everyone.

Organizers encouraged the community to attend the festival this weekend and to watch the “Scarecrow Festival” Facebook page for updates on the fun and possible stormy weather. Rain or shine, the organizers say they will be open as long as it is safe for people to be out.

“The city is very happy to work with citizens that want to do events like this,” Washington Court House City Manager Joe Denen said following the opening ceremony. “As long as we have a citizen element to participate and interact with, it is a lot of fun.”

Denen commended the work of organizers and downtown businesses during the ceremony in returning the festival to Washington C.H.

The festival will resume from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The headline entertainer of the festival is country music superstar and record producer, Aaron Tippin, who will take to the main stage Saturday at 8 p.m. The concert is free to the public, as is virtually all of the entertainment at the event.

This morning, for the first time at the Scarecrow Festival, there will be a Scarecrow 5k Walk/Run sponsored by Court House Fitness. All proceeds from the 5k will benefit United Way. Race day registration is $25 and will begin at 9 a.m. with check-in scheduled to start at 8 a.m. The start and finish will be at the intersection of East Court Street and North Main Street.

“It is pretty cool and I am excited to have been named the Scarecrow Queen,” Queen Allison Fullmer said following the opening ceremony. “I have a lot of events to announce and a few other things to get done at the festival. I am also excited for the Aaron Tippin concert and I get to announce that. I hope everyone can come out and enjoy this weekend.”

Other events for today include: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. square dancers, main stage, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. car show on South Main Street, 12 p.m. stilt walkers, 1-7 p.m. kids’ activities, courthouse lawn, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Derailed, main stage, 2-5 p.m. Cincinnati Circus Company, 3-3:45 p.m. Irish dancers, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Johnny Lawless, main stage, the beer garden opens from 6-11 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. comedian, Adam Garman will take the main stage.

On Sunday, from 12-4 p.m. vendor booths and amusements will be open, 1 p.m. IMPACT Worship and Witness at the main stage and at 2 p.m. organizers will hold a “Hamburger Cook-Off” on the courthouse lawn.

The 2016 Scarecrow Festival opened Friday with a short opening ceremony at noon where organizers, sponsors and others could be seen meeting with the first of the weekend’s patrons.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/09/web1_IMG_0850.jpgThe 2016 Scarecrow Festival opened Friday with a short opening ceremony at noon where organizers, sponsors and others could be seen meeting with the first of the weekend’s patrons.

Washington High School Blue Lion Marching Band Director, Matt Stanley, and his full band walked down to the festival Friday evening to perform for the crowd.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/09/web1_IMG_0878.jpgWashington High School Blue Lion Marching Band Director, Matt Stanley, and his full band walked down to the festival Friday evening to perform for the crowd.

By Martin Graham

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