Oxford Scarecrow Festival 2003 has come and gone, but all accounts indicate a good time was had by all.
“For an event that was put together so quickly, it was great success,” said John Thomas, festival committee member and owner of Parkside Catering and Dairy. “I give the OCDA (the event’s chief sponsor) a lot of credit.”
A large crowd of people, dogs, two goats and a rabbit gathered Saturday for fun and competition in Centennial Park.
The festivities began with a Pet Costume Contest featuring nearly 30 creative entries.
“We had a fabulous turnout,” said contest organizer Lisa Farlin, owner of the Metamora Canine Academy.
Oxford resident Brent Scudder and his dog, Max, won “Best Costume” by dressing up as mythical lumberjack giant Paul Bunyon and Babe, his giant blue ox.
Winning “Best Trick” was Oxford resident Kelly Scudder and her dog, Kip. Scudder dressed up as a soldier, while Kip portrayed a military horse pulling a canon.
“Best Look-alike” went to Metamora resident Francesca Shulz, 3, who dressed up like her black, white and brown dog, Bruno.
Three adults and six children won prizes in the Carved Pumpkin Contest.
In the adult category, Todd Jenkinson took first place, Bob Eckola won second and Libbi Ardelan finished third.
In the children’s category, Hanna DeBaene won first place, Julie Ardelan took second, Jack Vangel finished third, Joey DeBaene placed fourth, Madeline Vangel finished fifth and Olivia Eckola finished sixth.
An impressive 52 businesses and 25 residences participated in the scarecrow decorating contest.
In the residential category, John and Donna Bossardet, of 29 Moyer St., won “Best Scarecrow” for their “Sheryl Crow,” a straw-filled figure bearing a striking resemblance to the famous pop singer.
“I thought the whole thing was really fun,” Donna said. “It’s a good thing for the community because it’s not very expensive to put together a scarecrow. Everybody can do it.”
Chris and Deanne Smith, of 49 Dennison St., won residential “Best Scarecrow Group” for their “Fortune Teller Crow.”
In the business category, The Happy Hound won “Best Scarecrow” and the Oxford Fire Department won “Best Scarecrow Group.”
“I was surprised and delighted,” said Happy Hound owner Lisa Noel.
“I didn’t expect it,” said Oxford Firefighter Brad Horton, who helped construct the department’s scarecrows, of the award.
Winning the “People’s Choice Award” was Metamora Canine Academy.
“Thank you very much,” Farlin said accepting the honor.
Farlin gave all the credit for the award to her “crow-creators,” husband John Burkhart and friend Charlie Schulz
“They had the vision and worked many a night on Mr. Crow,” she said.