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Scarecrows fill the streets at Fall Fest

SALISBURY — The 12th annual scarecrow competition attracted 29 inventive and well-made hay-stuffed creatures. Practice over the past dozen years has led to advances not only in the artisanship of the entries — they’re also sturdier, and better able to stand up to the indignities of a New England autumn.

Despite heavy rains that fell throughout the three-day Fall Festival, the entries were still looking good by Sunday afternoon, when the People’s Choice votes were tallied. They will remain up and on display for a couple more weeks but will be taken down before Halloween.

This year, there were five categories: Business, Family, Group, Individual and Junior. The contest was sponsored by Best & Cavallaro Real Estate and Sweethaven Farm.

Individual

1. The Ghost of Venice

Designer: Cindy Ross

2. The Campaign

Designer: Sara Campbell

3. Scuba-diving Bear

Designer: Heather Allyn

Business

1. Give us a Shot

Designer: Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association

2. Iris and her Friends

Designer: Salisbury Garden Center

3. Octomom

Designer: Sweethaven Farm crew

Family

1. Mermaid

Designer: Jordan Campbell Sheridan, Paisley Hillegeist

2. A-crow-bat

Designer: Mallin/Jimenz family

3. Killer Chili Chef

Designer: Owen Rolo, Landon Sartori, Kelly Austin Rolo

Group

1. “Bullet” Sherwood

Designer: Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service

2. Indian Mountain School Falcon

Designer: Students at IMS

3. Brave Cub Scouts Campfire With Scary Scout Master

Designer: Salisbury-Lakeville Cub Scout Pack 007

Junior

 1. Moan-a Lisa Vampire

Designer: Cammie Hussey

2. The Man From Spookey Hollow

Designer: Zachary Sullivan and Nono

Most overall votes

1. Mermaid

Category: Family

Designer: Jordan Campbell Sheridan and Paisley Hillegeist

2. Give Us A Shot

Category: Business

Designer: Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association

3. “Bullet” Sherwood

Category: Group

Designer: SVAS

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