After sprouting along the Tarentum business district the past several weeks, three wildly creative straw-stuffed figures have been crowned winners in this year’s Scarecrow Contest.
First place went to “Bad Hair Day,” a creation by Hailey’s Hair Creations and Spa, along Fifth Avenue.
With an armful of hair dryers, combs and curling irons, the scarecrow appeared to bemoan the prickly straw ponytails sticking up across her head.
Second place was awarded to “Halloween Witch” by resident Jessica Kelly.
This creation looked like a diva with its purple gown, long black wig and glowing orange eyes.
The third-place prize, for “Addams Family,” went to multiyear winners Maskas & Sons.
Gomez and Wednesday Addams were well represented, but Cousin It stole the show with the long blonde wig covering its face.
“This is such an awesome event,” Tarentum Recreation Board president Carrie Fox said. “The scarecrows are so creative this year.”
The winners received gift cards worth $100, $75 and $50.
The borough opened its 13th annual contest in September, with crafty participants getting right to work. Scarecrows began popping up along Corbet Street, Sixth Avenue and elsewhere by early October.
Some took a traditional appearance with denim overalls and a straw hat. Many of them, however, were created to resemble superheros, princesses and movie characters.
A red Spider-man, complete with 6-foot web, stood at the corner of Third Avenue and Corbet Street. A whimsical doll with a purple satin dress and straw braids was placed a few doors down.
“We appreciate the community support and efforts,” Fox said.
