Vote for the best scarecrow in Aiken

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Downtown merchants are looking to "scare up," some donations this week with a scarecrow decorating contest being held downtown.

For the contest, almost 20 handmade scarecrows with several interesting themes will be on display at several businesses downtown this week.

Residents are being asked to vote for their favorite scarecrow by placing coins in boxes at the businesses. The money raised will go to benefit, Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS).

"We thought of this as a way to raise money and to decorate downtown," said Carla Cloud, executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association, which is sponsoring the fundraiser. "It's a great community event," she said. Cloud said the contest is a part of the ADDA's second annual Flavors of Fall event which will be held throughout the downtown area this Sunday. Cloud said scarecrows have been decorated by families, individuals, schools and businesses. Two winners will be chosen by judges, based on creativity, uniqueness, and theme relatedness. Cloud said people can also vote during the Flavors of Fall event on Sunday until 4 p.m. She said the winning scarecrows will be announced at 5:30 p.m.

Flavors of Fall will feature many free activities as well as a chili cook-off, casserole bake sale, games for children, business presentations and an antique automobile rally in addition to the scarecrow contest, said Cloud. Flavors will takes place on Laurens Street, between Barnwell Street and Park Avenue from 3 to 6 p.m. "Fall is such a wonderful time and the Flavors of Fall Festival was very warmly received last year," Cloud said. "We have incorporated many of the first-year events and are excited with the special lineup for this year." Some of the events include: The making of a community quilt, ballerina make overs for children, holiday make-up demonstrations, pumpkin carving demonstrations, arts and crafts for kids, free hayrides for kids as well as other activities. There will also be a chili cook-off, a bake sale and a historic car cruise-in sponsored by the Aiken Horsepower Association.

Contact the ADDA office at 803-649-2221 if you are interested in volunteering or for additional information on the casserole bake sale, chili cook-off or the scarecrow contest.