The Fayette County Scarecrow Festival

Each year during the third weekend of September, Washington Court House, Ohio holds the Scarecrow festival in their downtown. This is an EXTREMELY fun and exciting festival that people come from all around the state to visit. The Scarecrow Festival boasts crafts, food, and fun for the whole family!

The festival usually kicks off on Friday afternoon at the main stage located right in front of the Sheriff's Department and court house. Later that evening begins the crowning of all the festival's queens, princesses, and princes. Children from infant to eighteen have the opportunity to participate. Fayette County's finest young representatives are chosen to be the festival royalty on stage based on their school and community participation, their talents, and the ways they present themselves.

Other contests include the Live Scarecrow contest! The name says it all. People of all ages dress up in hats and shirts stuffed with straw to try to become the best, and most realistic looking scarecrow! Often there are karaoke, and pole vaulting contests.

Another popular highlight of the Scarecrow Festival is the car show. Members of the local classic car club "Draggin Angels" and other participants bring their classic or specialty vehicles to put on display for the public.

Many craft and novelty vendors line the downtown streets for the Scarecrow Festival. Perhaps the most popular vendor is the wood carver. He sets himself up in a "tent" where spectators may watch as he creates beautiful wood carvings before their eyes with a chainsaw! Here you will also find clothing vendors, jewelry, crafts, and a plethora of other items of interest. Several community organizations such as the Fayette County Life Squad also set up boothes for you to come and meet and greet, and obtain information about services provided.

Of course, if you come for no other reason, come for the food! Elephant ears, giros, fried veggies, FAIR FRIES... All the delightful fair foods without the miles and miles of walking!

The Scarecrow Festival is always a great place for entertainment. Entertainment for the kids includes a variety of games and rides at great affordable prices. There is also a ton of entertainment for the entire family. Each year new and sometimes repeat local bands come out to set up and play, such as "Dumbfounded", a local classic rock band, or "Apartment B", for those who like a harder rock. Or perhaps you prefer the soothing sounds of gospel. One of many gospel groups that preform at the festival each year are the well known "Singing Pfiefers". Also each year brings out a head lining group such as Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

Don't miss the yearly Scarecrow Festival parade! See all the floats created by local businesses and churches from dancers, to skaters, to singers! The highlight of the parade are the Washington Court House and Miami Trace marching bands! The Court House band dances their way through the city streets with their funky beats, while the Trace band reserves the traditional flair of a handsome corps style band.

Looking for a wonderful way to have some unique and quality fun with the whole family? Don't forget to put the third weekend of September on your calender for the Fayette County Scarecrow Festival!