Beautiful weather, a walk through a scenic town, and lots of things to do for young and old…sounds like a perfect way to spend a weekend! Nothing says “fall” on the South Shore quite like the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair. Heading into its 21st year, this unique festival, where over 200 hand-made, life-size scarecrows are displayed, is a destination for people across the province and beyond!
I feel like the word Scarecrow is not an entirely accurate description for these creations that could easily be described as works of art. Many of the scarecrows are designed and painted by artists and volunteers who spend hours painting, sewing and constructing the amazing and whimsical creations that appear throughout the town. You’ll see musicians, politicians, characters from books and movies and more! It’s always so fun to see everyone sharing their photos with their favourite scarecrows from the weekend.
The Scarecrows themselves are a big draw, but there’s so much more to the Festival! This year as part of their children’s entertainment, Scout Camp is coming in with high-flying aerial acrobatics, juggling, magic, music and a giant bubble party! How fun! There is also pumpkin tic-tac-toe, face-painting, a bouncy castle and more! You can check out the website for times and locations.
The Mahone Bay Museum also has free Scarecrow Activities and Crafts for kids and adults. You can join in and make a scarecrow on a stick, a scarecrow face magnet, round paper pumpkins and more! The activities and crafts go on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm.
You’ll also want to be sure to take in the Candlelit Pumpkin Path! This year the Pumpkin Path is located at Bayview School on Clearland Street, How wonderful to stroll through the pumpkin path while listening to live music from Buchanans House of Music, catch the fire performance by Scout Camp, and sip on Hot Cider provided by Atlantica Oak Island Resort and Convention Centre. The pumpkin path is full of creatively carved pumpkins including ones entered in the pumpkin carving competition. Check out the website for details on how you can enter a pumpkin for a chance to win some amazing cash and prizes donated by local businesses. The Candlelit Pumpkin Path goes from 6:00-9:00pm on Saturday, September 30th.
Another big attraction each year is the Antique Fair which features over 27 vendors in 3 different locations! You will find a wide variety of antiques and collectibles at the St.James Anglican Church Hall, the Mahone Bay Legion Hall and the Mahone Bay Centre. For most people, the thrill is in the hunt…how enjoyable it is to be able to search for treasures in 3 venues…in one town! Start the car! 🙂
Did I mention the Book Sale? Also during the Festival, there is a giant book sale where you have the chance to browse through tables of books of all kinds with the opportunity to add to your fall/winter reading collection. Need a quiet minute to chat with friends or read a few pages of your new book? There is a cafe on sight for you to sit and relax. The Book Sale and Cafe help raise funds for The Mahone Bay Centre.
The whole town of Mahone Bay really gets in the spirit during this weekend with many having their own Scarecrow Festival specials. So be sure to visit the shops, cafe’s, restaurants, pubs, breweries, museums, and more while you are also enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival. It’s a good thing the Festival runs for three days…you’re going to need it to see everything!
Fall is beautiful and fleeting, I can think of no better way to spend a few days of it than taking in the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair. The Festival really offers something for everyone. Bring your camera…bring your friends…and be ready to enjoy a fun-filled family weekend unlike any other.
