Scarecrow Days starting up in Old Town

Hand-made creations of cloth and straw could start appearing in front of Old Colorado City stores as early as Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the start of the 13th annual Scarecrow Days. This was the Handcrafted Santa's scarecrow last year. Westside Pioneer photo        The Old Colorado City Associates (OCCA) merchants group has encouraged merchants to have their scarecrows up by then, with the incentive of prizes for the best ones in five categories. Official judges (area leaders/personalities) will pick their favorites Sept. 19, and stores will have ballots that let citizens vote for a separate set of winners.        Last year, the OCCA augmented the scarecrow effect in the historic shopping district by adding store-bought versions at street corners.        Plans call for all scarecrows to stay up through Halloween, so as to provide a backdrop for three other seasonal OCCA events: The Taste of Old Colorado City, Saturday, Sept. 26 ($15 to sample food at a number of eateries from noon to 5 p.m.). The Giant Pumpkin weigh-off, Oct. 3 (free to watch as in-state growers compete in Old Town Plaza). The Safe Treats candy giveaway in Old Town on Halloween, Oct. 31.        Another upcoming event in Old Colorado City during that time frame, not sponsored by the OCCA, will be the annual Coronado High School Homecoming Parade Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. Westside Pioneer article