Last Saturday, scarecrows of all shapes, sizes, and ages raided our farmers’ market for the annual Invasion of the Scarecrows special fall event. There was no pillaging, plundering, or mischief, so rest assured. Instead, these hay-filled friends brought smiles, fresh local food, and family-fun to our market shoppers. Beautiful weather and a good time was shared by all, and we are so very grateful for everyone’s dedication and support for this event.

We’d like to first thank our corporate sponsor Ford Lincoln of Franklin, chef Michael Martin of Whole Foods, and most importantly you, our customers, for your participation in the Invasion of the Scarecrows. Over 300 samples of a fall-inspired menu prepared by chef Martin were passed out at our Chef Demo tent. 351 pumpkins provided by King Farm were given to our younger shoppers and skillfully decorated at our Pumpkin Painting area, and our Great Big Pumpkin received 271 kids’ entries to guess its weight. The Great Big Pumpkin went home with Roman Stuchurski who accurately guessed at 117 pounds. Congratulations, Roman!

The Invasion of the Scarecrows would not have been possible, of course, without our walking, talking, scarecrows! Our farmers, vendors, and artisans really shined in their festive costumes and we would like to congratulate the winners of both the costume contest and booth decorating contest. Third place for the Best Dressed Scarecrow went to Asher Dixon of Peaceful Worlds Clothing. Second place went to Paula Johnson Morton of Johnson’s Honey Farm. And the first place winners of the Best Dressed Scarecrow went to Hank and Cindy Delvin of Delvin Farms. Congratulations to all our winning scarecrows, and thank you for your participation!

Hank & Cindy Delvin of Delvin Farms took 1st Place for Best Dressed Scarecrow and Best Decorated Booth pictured here with event Judges Tom Lawrence, Deborah Warnick, and Brian and Lisa Beathard, Market Manager Deb Grant and Events Manager Ryan Palmer.

For the Best Booth Decoration contest, our judges had a difficult time choosing, since so many of our farmers’ market booths looked so festive. Third place went to the Barker’s Market and their perfectly-dressed scarecrow pup . Second place went to Norton Family Farm with the flour-frenzied baking scarecrow, and Hank and Cindy Delvin took home first place for their hand-holding scarecrow mom and dad display. Congratulations to all of our market booth decorators! We are grateful for all your efforts.

Finally, we would like to show our gratitude for our outstanding team of judges who meticulously chose the winners of our Invasion of the Scarecrows contests. Thank you to Tom Lawrence, Deborah Warnick, and Brian and Lisa Beathard. Your contributions were key.

Judges for this years Invasion of the Scarecrows pictured from left to right, Tom Lawrence of WAKM Hometown Radio, Deborah Warnick Director of Cultural & Heritage Tourism, Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau with Brian and Lisa Beathard Co-Owner of RevHD, County Commissioner and Lisa serves our community as a local registered nurse

To view more photos from our Invasion of the Scarecrows last Saturday, please follow this link. Thanks, again, scarecrows, and we hope to see your smiling faces again next year!