WESTFIELD-Growing up in Maine, Pastor Merle Beal appreciated autumn – and especially enjoyed a fall tradition – making scarecrows from the fallen leaves.
Beal and members of the Community Church of Westfield will open its doors at 170 Elm St. on Sept. 28 to host a build-a-scarecrow workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. which is open to the public.
Pastor Merle Beal of the Community Church of Westfield encourages families to participate in an upcoming scarecrow workshop downtown.
“Making scarecrows from scratch is a lost art,” said Beal, adding that the free event is an ideal project for families.
Beal said the goal is to make more than 10 scarecrows during the workshop, and all will be displayed within businesses in the downtown area.
“It will also be fun for those making the scarecrows to find them on a sort of scavenger hunt when they visit the downtown,” said Beal.
Currently, Beal is hopeful that area residents may be willing to donate an old shirt, a pair of pants, or hat to the cause. The clothing for the scarecrows can be for all ages, and in all sizes, and hats can range from cowboy or straw to winter and baseball caps.
“We are especially in need of the grocery plastic bags that we will use when stuffing the scarecrows with burlap,” he said, noting that rubber bands and cardboard will also be welcomed.
Beal will provide the pumpkin heads, hot glue and glue guns, and burlap for the participants.
Beal, whose congregation was originally at the Advent Christian Church on Central Street, said with the new location during the past year, more people are noticing the storefront location.
“With our new location we have changed our focus,” said Beal. “We’re trying to get more involved in community events and look forward to this event supporting the upcoming Westfield PumpkinFest event.”
Westfield PumpkinFest, produced by Westfield on Weekends, is planned Oct. 13 from noon to 6 p.m. on and around Park Square. Family events throughout the afternoon will include decorating pumpkins, enjoying a variety of entertainers, an arts and crafts market, a Haunted Westfield presentation by the Agawam Paranormal Society, a Scarecrow Trail, and open house at the fire station. Additionally, a multitude of nonprofit organizations will be on hand to present activities for children, a farmers market is planned at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, vendors and downtown businesses will offer pumpkin-themed food offerings, and a “Haunted Gaslight Alley” experience is slated at Blue Umbrella Books.
“We look forward to our part with Westfield PumpkinFest and are also planning family and game nights and coffeehouse events this holiday season,” said Beal.
For persons wishing to make donations for the scarecrows, call Beal at (413) 485-8459 to arrange dropping off items at the church.
