Scarecrow contest, live music to headline first fall festival

By SHEILA G. KELLEY

Staff writer

The first Peabody Fall Festival, in conjunction with Affordable Street Rods open house, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 in downtown Peabody.

The day will be full of food, entertainment, wreath making, face painting, scarecrow contest, and live music, organizer Ginger Whitney said.

For the kids, there will be a bounce house, obstacle course, fire safety activities, face painting and ceramic pumpkin painting.

Wreath making will be 9 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion.

People are encouraged to enter a scarecrow in the scarecrow contest with the winner announced at 1 p.m. Prizes will be $100 for grand champion, $75 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third.

Scarecrow contest registration is due Sept. 21 and can be made with Peggy Phillips at 316-258-7975.

Affordable Street Rods will have their open house 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 601 W. Potter Rd. The public is invited to visit the facility.

Live music will provide entertainment throughout the day. See ad on page B4 for a detailed music schedule.

Committee members Whitney, Myrna Wood, Sharon Oursler, Phillips, and Wendy Gibson donated many hours planning and organizing the event.

“One challenge was financing,” Whitney said. “But we’ve had wonderful people and businesses donate, and lots of community support and volunteerism. The city and schools have been very supportive.

“The biggest challenge was learning about liability insurance requirements,” Whitney said. “There are so many little rules to comply with regulations. It should certainly be easier knowing what is needed next year.”