Scare Up Some Fun at the Trenton Scarecrow Festival

Trenton is gearing up for piles of multi-colored leaves and loads of fall fun.

The 10th Annual Scarecrow Festival is scheduled for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

The event, which takes place in downtown Trenton on Jefferson Avenue (at West Road) from Cherry Street to Elm Street, provides a variety of activities, contests and entertainment for visitors.

“The unique aspect of this festival is the involvement and participation of the community,” said Frank Mazzella, chairman of the nonprofit organization which operates the event each year.

Mazzella said the scarecrow building contest is very popular. Categories include scarecrows constructed by adults, children, families, groups and organizations. Everyone is encouraged to build a scarecrow and bring it to the festival for judging and viewing.

The scarecrow contest runs all weekend and is just one of the many contests festival goers can enjoy. Others include a singing competition, battle of the bands, dog costume contest, cat costume contest, pizza eating challenge, strongman contest and a pumpkin toss.

“All our contests raise money for charity, and are a great way to have fun,” Mazzella said. His organization, the Downtown Event Planners, is comprised of a dedicated group of residents and business volunteers who want to provide a family-oriented, fun event during the fall season.

“We donate proceeds from the festival to a variety of local charities each year,” Mazzella said.

The Scarecrow Festival runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

A carnival with games and rides will run the entire weekend and beckon thrillseekers to the area between Maple Street and West Road.

Pony rides, bouncers, toddler games and build-a-scarecrow area will be located near Elm Street.

Crafters will display their artwork and wares throughout the festival at the arts and crafts show between St. Joseph and Elm streets.

The fourth annual Battle of the Bands starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at the bandstage. Many local bands will compete.

Oct. 2 is the final day of the festival and includes the festival favorite dog costume contest.

Mazzella said the annual Sunday dog costume contest has grown so popular a new cat costume contest was added to Saturday’s roster this year.

Another new event will allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of fall in Trenton. Hayrides through Elizabeth Park will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Local groups and bands will appear on the bandstage all weekend providing free demonstrations and musical entertainment. Groups including oldies, folk music and urban rhythm and blues will grace the stage this weekend.

For a complete entertainment listing and application information for the festival contests, visit www.scarecrowfestival.net.