First Scarecrow Shuffle 5K pulls large crowd of runners
The Scarecrow Shuffle Mascot (AKA Tyler Maple) is waiting to send runners off on the first Scarecrow Shuffle 5K held at the Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Coshocton Court Square.
COSHOCTON – As part of the first Coshocton Scarecrow Festival, the Scarecrow Shuffle 5K had almost 80 runners sign up, despite the chilly, rainy morning. “We had 53 pre-register and more signed up today,” said Megan Daugherty, “We are thrilled with how many came.” She is a volunteer with Our Town Coshocton, which sponsored the 5K.
Barb Karr, also a volunteer with Our Town Coshocton, said, “We wanted to be a part of the scarecrow festival. Clary Gardens has had their scarecrow trail a few years now and when we heard they wanted to expand that, we joined in.” Our Town Coshocton’s mission is to help revitalize downtown. “We want to support any activity that promotes Coshocton.”
Caleb Anderson of Coshocton was the first runner to cross the finish line with a time of 20:18. “I train about six days a week in the gym and race on the weekends. I like all kinds of races and am running a four mile race tomorrow. This is a warm up for that.” He said he does get a little tired around the three mile mark, but then adrenaline kicks in to take him to the finish. He was dressed in a Batman shirt.
“I bought a bunch of Batman shirts – everybody recognizes me and that’s kinda cool. Since this is a Halloween race, I fit right in.” He also said he likes to support all the local races. “I also like to be running behind the cruiser instead of it chasing me!”
Jandi Adams, from Clary Gardens, said this is the fourth year for their scarecrow trail and they wanted to expand. They decided the day of NewPointe Church’s Trunk or Treat would be perfect for a festival, as that already drew a crowd to Main Street. “We are so excited to partner with the church and with Our Town Coshocton. I wish the weather had cooperated more.”
Caleb Mason, from NewPointe Church, said this was the third year of the Trunk or Treat. “We usually have 700-900 people come through for candy. If it’s just a light rain, we’ll have it, but if the weather turns too bad, we’ll have to cancel.” He said that the church enjoys doing it. “We love Coshocton and were looking for ways to show that.”
Over the last few weeks, the public has been able to vote for their favorite scarecrow. Many were located around town, with businesses, agencies and residents joining in the fun. The winners of the creepiest scarecrow were Roscoe Village Foundation’s “Legend of Caldersburgh Smithy,” Rose of Sharon Retreat “Boney Quilter” and McKenna’s Market at Medbery “Clown.” The winners of the Pop Culture scarecrow class were Miss Jennifer’s Dance Studio “Silly Spooky Stars of MJDS,” Coshocton Antique Mall “Frida,” and Abigail and Birch Company “Brutus Buckeye.”
The traditional scarecrow category winners were KFC “The Colonel,” Coshocton Village Inn and Suites “Fred” and Frontier Power Company “Pole Climbing Lineman.” Shumaker Farms won the West Lafayette class with “Junior.” Miss Jennifer’s Dance Studio won the People’s Choice Award.
Unfortunately, many of the afternoon activities had to be cancelled due to the weather, but event coordinators are planning to have the festival again next fall.
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