Every scarecrow has a story and they can be found at Clary Gardens
Scarecrow Clark, who boldly states that print is not dead, is one of close to 20 scarecrows on display at Clary Gardens during the month of October. File Photo | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Scarecrow Clark’s passion was print journalism. He loved traveling across his hometown chasing one positive story after another and the unique people he met. In fact, he actually died doing what he loved most.
Clark was on his way to a farm on the outskirts of the county where the farmer’s wife said they had the cutest pair of jersey calves ever born. She told Clark, and this is a direct quote, “When they bat their eyelashes your heart just melts.” If this woman was right Clark knew a picture of these jersey calves would appeal to tons of readers. What Clark didn’t know is that this would be his last assignment ever.
He just looked down for a minute at his directions to the farm, but that’s all it took. When Clark looked back up at the road the biggest bull he’d ever seen was standing in the middle of the road. Clark swerved to miss the bull and the rest; well you can read in the paper because if Clark could leave his community with one last thought, it’s that print’s not dead. In fact, his spirit often comes back around Halloween to pick up a few copies of what he has discovered is the best little weekly paper around.
Scarecrow Clark is actually The Beacon’s entry in Clary Gardens Scarecrow Contest, which was open to local agencies, school groups, businesses, organizations, and families.
Close to 20 scarecrows are placed throughout Clary Gardens and the public is invited to come walk the trails there and view each contestants’ take on scarecrows.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from this and I can’t wait to get the judges out there,” said Jandi Adams, director at Clary Gardens.
Scarecrow judging will be conducted by representatives from the Clary Gardens Board of Directors, the city, county, Soil and Water Conservation District, OSU-Extension, and the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce. Winners will be notified mid-month and published in local media.
Clary Gardens is located at 588 W. Chestnut St. and is open during day light hours 365 days a year. The scarecrow trail is free and open to the public the entire month of October.
Adams said Clary Gardens also is planning on celebrating fall with a Trail and Treat Night from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26. Volunteers will be dressed as animals and bugs and placed throughout the garden where they will educate guests on nature facts and pass out candy. The community is encouraged to come dressed in costumes. That night there also will be face painting and apple cider for a donation and Coshocton Is Blooming will have a plant sale. Admission for this family fun night is $1 per person.
For more on Clary Gardens, call 740-622-6524; visit the garden’s Facebook page; or www.ClaryGardens.org.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
