North Belle Vernon Holds “Scarecrow in the Park” Festival for a Good Cause

Last Updated on Friday, 28 October 2016 13:02

By Jill Brown

A unique scarecrow festival was held on October 8, 2016 from 6-10 p.m., featuring hand-crafted scarecrows lined against the recently renovated North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park & Outdoor Recreation Center on Graham Street. This is the first time for such an event, and flood victims benefitted.

Melanie Stringhill Patterson and Gina Lynn pose together with a cute scarecrow beauty pageant entry.

According to Melanie Stringhill Patterson, chairperson with the NBV Recreation Committee, the idea for the scarecrows simply popped into her head while reading a newspaper, knowing she’s invested in the renovation of the park. This festival is intended for fall festivities and the most beloved creature of all—the scarecrow.

The Mon River Town Program awarded the borough a $500 grant for the festival project. Patterson said, “Since [the borough] got the grant, as a way of paying it forward, all proceeds will go to Connellsville flood victims. We’re keeping them in our prayers and thoughts.”

Also responsible for the event is Gina Lynn, Executive Director of the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce, who was involved in coordinating crafters and vendors. R.J. Sokol, North Belle Vernon councilman, was responsible for gathering funding for the renovation of the park, which re-opened on August 21. Lynn Sokol, Recreation Committee volunteer, along with other volunteers, helped organize the event.

Festivities also included crafts and vendors such as MedExpress and Hamilton Chiropractic, and booths selling food, jewelry, body painting, clothing, baked goods, and Christmas items. There were games for children and an evening viewing of “The Wizard of Oz” movie. From 6 -7:30 p.m., Gashouse Annie, a folksinger, sang with heart in lovely tones.

A scarecrow beauty pageant took place from 6-9 p.m. as people voted for their favorites. The winner received a $100 cash prize, and congratulations went to Marion Elementary Life Skills, grades 4-6 classes with their “pirate” scarecrow. All 18 scarecrows will remain in the park as decoration throughout the month.