Scarecrows in Altavista

ALTAVISTA - Downtown Altavista is playing host to nearly three dozen straw-stuffed strangers.

There’s a slumped scarecrow named Edward Jones outside an investment office of the same name, pointing to a line graph labeled “Stock Market.“

On Campbell Avenue, a scarecrow nurse created by Autumn Care of Altavista pushes the wheelchair of an elderly scarecrow uphill.

In front of First National Bank’s headquarters, a suit-clad scarecrow wears spectacles dropped down on the end of his nose and clutches a Wall Street Journal.

And on Main Street, a newlywed couple, Intou and Im’n Bliss, pose in a gazebo.

The displays are part of Altavista’s Scarecrow Stroll, an event aimed at getting businesses involved in the community and drawing attention downtown.

Lyndia Goodwin, a participant who helped build two scarecrow displays, said the competition has accomplished its purpose.

“It’s brought people out here,“ she said. “You see people out here strolling and taking pictures of them.“ While some people just drive right by downtown, “This makes them want to stop and enjoy their afternoon.“

Altavista On Track, a Virginia Main Street program that seeks to revitalize the town’s central business district, organized the contest this year in hopes of making it annual.

Executive Director Josephine Kelley said 35 businesses, clubs, churches or families entered the contest, which will name winning scarecrows today.

“This is the event ... that has really captured the imagination and the delight of a lot of people,“ Kelley said.

The scarecrows went up about two weeks ago, and are supposed to be taken down by Monday.

The displays are positioned along several downtown streets, most within a few blocks of Town Hall. Most businesses that entered the contest created scarecrows that double as advertisements. The newlywed scarecrows on Main Street were created by Riverview Manor, a wedding venue.

“It’s gotten a lot more participation than I ever thought it would,“ said Glenn Miller, owner of Miller’s Jewelry on Main Street. A straw-stuffed pirate, designed by Miller’s wife, sits in front of the store. “The creativity ... was way beyond my expectation.“

“People are already talking about their plans for next year, so I believe it will be bigger next year,“ he said.

Tina Reynolds, owner of the salon Shear Perfection on Seventh Street, said she was not expecting as much creative competition when she and her employees designed a scarecrow.

“We might be better prepared next year,“ Reynolds said.

Topped with a mannequin head, Shear Perfection’s scarecrow, Sassafras, has a blow dryer and other beauty care items.

Jeannette Short, an employee at Pine Haven Press, admitted that she just threw together a scarecrow without a lot of thought. She picked up green corduroy pants and a bright striped sweater at a thrift store to clothe the scarecrow.

“Everybody else was doing it. We thought it might be fun to compete like that and see what they come up with,“ said Sonya Davis, owner of Pine Haven Press.

Several business owners said that people mention the scarecrows, although they don’t think the displays have attracted new customers. However, they said they are pleased with what they see.

When Goodwin heard that Altavista would have a scarecrow event, she recalled seeing a similar exhibit in Atlanta years ago. “I knew it could be done,“ she said.

She helped the Staunton River Garden Club build a scarecrow working in a garden. She also helped Altavista On Track build a large display involving two scarecrows, bales of hay and a tractor.

The contest is helping build the community, she said. “I just want to be a part of it.“

Patrice Robertson, branch manager of the Altavista Library, helped judge the contest. She said it was a challenge to pick three winners because each scarecrow display was unique. “They were just so cool,“ she said.

She and two other judges picked three winners who will receive cash prizes. She wouldn’t say who won. That announcement will have to wait for a community event tonight.

As people have come into the library, the Scarecrow Stroll has “just been the buzz of the season,“ Robertson said. “For a seasonal fun thing, I think it was outstanding. Maybe next year we’re going to have that many more.“