Wilmslow is buzzing with excitement as retailers, solicitors, public houses, restaurants, barbers, garden centres and even a church are working on their secret scarecrow designs.
All of whom will be competing against last year's winner The Horse & Jockey Pub to win the coveted Scarecrow Cup which has been donated by the Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean.
Students at Wilmslow High and children at seven local primary schools and brownie clubs are also hoping that their scarecrows will be chosen to be displayed in Hooper's shop window and ladies wear department.
There will be also be a scarecrow hunt throughout Wilmslow for young and old to spot the correct number of scarecrows on display from 27th June until 9th July.
On Saturday 9th July it will be carnival time in Wilmslow as the Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean has organised a special scarecrow parade to celebrate the 100th Wilmslow Show - providing the opportunity to dance with the famous Liverpool Batala Samba Band and two 12ft Scarecrows through the streets of Wilmslow.
The first parade will start at around 11.30am from Sainsburys and travel down Alderley Street and Grove Street, then at 2.30pm it will depart from the Fire Station and travel down Water Lane and Grove Street.
Celebrations will extend in to the evening with a Charity Hoedown and Hog Roast. Guests can dance, drink and sing the night away on Saturday 9th July to the Bandwagon Hoedown Band from Northwich.
The event will be held in a beer tent in the Wilmslow Show grounds and a hog roast bap with apple sauce, stuffing and crackling is included in the price of £12.50 per head. Drinks will be served from a licensed bar and a mystery celebrity will draw a very special raffle. Come in country yokel dress for a chance to win a prize for the best yokel. Tickets for sale in Sainsburys Wilmslow and The Horse and Jockey Pub.
The Grand Scarecrow Finale will take place at the Wilmslow Show on Sunday 10th July, with the winner of the best scarecrow being announced in the marquee of the Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean. There will also be the opportunity to win a prize by guessing the correct number of scarecrows which have been on display throughout the town and another raffle with great prizes from local businesses.
All profits from the Scarecrow Festival and Charity Hoedown will be given by the Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean to the Alzheimer Society, local autistic children for a sensory room in a local school and the Children's Adventure Trust Farm.
Rotary President, Marianne Martyn said "The Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean is committed to support the Wilmslow community – the families, young, old and disabled as well as local businesses to make Wilmslow a better place to work and live. Come along to one of our club evenings or activities for stimulating and enjoyable friendship with a purpose."
New entries for scarecrows from businesses and schools will still be accepted at Mailboxes in Water Lane until 27th June.
For further information email Marianne Martyn or call her on 01625 524706.
Photo: Last year's winner from the Horse and Jockey pub on Gravel Lane.
