Scarecrow fest ‘brings a buzz’ to Cork village

Ballinagree Scarecrow Fest is taking place this bank holiday weekend.

Plenty of free and fun activities will be taking place in the village north of Macroom for both young and old from Friday to Sunday.

Kicking off Ballinagree Scarecrow Fest on Friday evening will be the kids’ fancy dress disco with DJ Mike.

Saturday and Sunday will be filled with numerous activities such as guessing games, face painting, and arts and crafts.

On Sunday, following circus entertainment, there will be a fire show by Mira at 3pm.

Cash prizes will be on offer for the best scarecrows.

There are two competition categories — the best use of sustainable materials and visitors’ favourites chosen by festival attendees.

Ballinagree Scarecrow Fest founder Kathleen O’Sullivan told The Echo that there is a mood of excitement in the air ahead of the weekend festival.

“It brings a good buzz to the village,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

“Ballinagree is small rural village. The children are all excited. People decorate their houses for the festival.

“Older people might not go to the disco or to see the Halloween film, but they will walk around the village and look at the various scarecrows.

“The creators of the scarecrows, they use such imagination. People are fascinated by that as well.

“We have live music in the village at night in the two local pubs.

“That brings a bit of vibrancy as well.

“I was talking to an elderly lady in the village yesterday. She said she loves to see the people walking around and that it gives the place a buzz.”

Ms O’Sullivan said that all visitors are welcome to attend over the weekend.

“Absolutely, we love to see people from outside the area visit the village.

“We also support local charities each year from the fest; anyone really that might need a bit of help, we will support them.”

For more information about Ballinagree Scarecrow Fest and the activities taking place, visit tinyurl.com/2jyhmdw8

Meanwhile, Leap Scarecrow Festival, celebrating its 10th year in the West Cork village outside Skibbereen, will turn the area into a Halloween wonderland, from October 21 to November 3.