Danville's Scarecrow Contest and Festival

If you happen to be traveling on US 36 through Danville and see all the people standing around the courthouse, you might want to take a closer look.  The tufts of straw coming out of shirt sleeves and pant legs suggests these folks might be up to something more than waiting for court or grabbing a coffee.

October marks the 3rd annual Scarecrow Contest in downtown Danville.  All month long, the courthouse square is surrounded by uniquely decorated scarecrows, each representing the artistic talents and creativity of a local business, group or individual.  My pictures don’t do justice to the hay-stuffed works of art.  You’ll see a group of soldiers sitting around a table, Uncle Sam, a scarecrow hand-stand, and even a man mourning a loved one at a funeral.  From now through October 14, visitors can stop into many of the local merchants surrounding the square and cast a ballot for their favorite.

On October 16, the town will celebrate these creations at the Scarecrow Festival.  Winners will be announced, and there will be music, crafts, games and other entertainment.

For a full day of fun in downtown Danville, you might also consider stopping in The Healing Chi for a yoga session or massage, and finish the day with dinner at Frank’s Place Italian Restaurant, my favorite place for pizza in Hendricks County, where I grew up.

The scarecrow contest and festival is presented by the Downtown Danville Partnership.