Dyke Scarecrow Festival proves a huge success
Dorothy followed the yellow brick road all the way into the village of Dyke over the weekend.
The young girl in the red glittery shoes and her pals, the Lion, the Tin Man and of course the Scarecrow, were one of 50 displays during the annual Dyke Scarecrow Festival, which started on Friday and ran until Sunday.
Hundreds of visitors poured into the village to admire the hard work that had gone into the creations and cast their vote for their favourite.
A stunning display inspired by a well-known film franchise called Crow Busters by the Stokes family took first prize, while Bourne Lions’ Wizard of Oz display was in second and Lydia the scary land girl, designed by Laura Ritchie and her Aunty Claire, was in third.
For those meandering along, there was an ice cream van on the village green - surrounded by scarecrows designed by pupils at Bourne Westfield Primary Academy.
There were also craft stalls and children’s games, this year all on the field behind The Wishing Well Inn - a new location. Bourne Neighbourhood Policing Team had a car there with youngsters able to try on police hats and face painting also proved popular.
Live entertainment also proved a draw to the field with the Friends of Stamford Theatre, Bourne Tuneless Choir and the LDC dance group all taking to the stage and there was a selection of classic cars on display.
On the Saturday, this field also provided the venue for a fun dog show, which drew big crowds to see the dogs proudly receive their rosettes.
A beer marquee was also laid on with food available and people lazed on the grass, making the most of the late Summer sunshine.
Meanwhile, the Village Hall served teas, coffees and hundreds of slices of homemade cake baked by the village’s WI and Rippingale and Kirkby Underwood Art Group put on a display of artwork which brightened up the hall.
On Sunday, a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew past - a fitting close to a memorable weekend.
A raffle with cash prizes kindly donated by Johnson Hotel Linen raised much-needed funds for the village hall.
Money from the event is still being counted but the festival’s co-ordinator Marilyn Howe is hopeful that it will top last year’s total of £1,700.
Marilyn said: “It was very busy and Saturday especially was heaving. There was a lovely atmosphere in the village.
“The welly wanging game in particular was very popular with people queuing.
“The scarecrow trail was hugely popular. We had 700 voting forms initially and we had to reprint another 500 so that was extremely good.
“It was a very good weekend - perhaps even better than last year.”
Marilyn thanked villagers for participating in the scarecrow trail and for their patience throughout another busy festival weekend, saying the event was a “true community effort”.
She also thanked John Smith from The Wishing Well Inn for his support and Lives First Responders for providing First Aid cover over the weekend.
The money raised will go towards repairs to the roof expected to cost more than £5,000. The hall has recently had its toilets refurbished thanks to money received from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme and new vinyl flooring.
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