Staff Writer: Danika Audrey Beaton
In Downtown Woodstock, a scarecrow invasion occurs every year during the month of October. It starts on October 1st and ends on October 31st. Several businesses set up a scarecrow to represent their business each year. People can vote for their favorite scarecrow at the visitors center in Downtown Woodstock for a price of one dollar. The visitor center is at 8588 Main Street and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The money raised from the scarecrow invasion voting goes towards improving the beauty of Downtown Woodstock. The winning scarecrow’s business earns bragging rights and a stellar trophy.
This year, Downtown Woodstock has 220 scarecrows on display. Woodstock’s display is one of the largest scarecrow events in all the southeast. Businesses pay $100 to set up their scarecrows, and individuals pay $50. These scarecrows act as great advertising for businesses and provide fun for the whole community of Woodstock.
Anakate Cox, a Woodstock High School junior, gave her opinion on the scarecrows stating, “The scarecrows are a unique tradition that our community looks forward to every fall and I enjoy the friendly competition between our local businesses!” Elizabeth Pannell, another Woodstock High School Junior, adds, “I think it’s a great way to support local businesses and learn more about the community in a fun way.”
A Woodstock High School junior, Macie Brown, suggests, “The scarecrows are a lot of fun to go look at with friends! The scarecrows are always so creative in detail and fun to look at and take pictures with.”
Here are some of the scarecrows that have been spotted this year:
“It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus.”- Max from Hocus Pocus.
This Hocus Pocus themed scarecrow display was put on by Dentistry of Olde Towne. Dentistry of Olde Towne is a family dentist, located at 113 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 110. Pictured in the image are Sarah, Winifred, and Mary Sanderson standing behind a boiling cauldron. Someone could potentially win $50 if they post a picture with the Sanderson sisters.
Hannah Pankow, a junior at Woodstock High School, states, “The Hocus Pocus scarecrows are my favorite because it is such a fun and creative idea, and it is based off one of my favorite Halloween movies!”
“To Infinity and Beyond!” -Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.
Sanders Team Realty put on this Toy Story scarecrow display. Pictured are Buzz Lightyear and Woody. Sander Team Realty is a real estate company located at 665 Molly Lane Suite 120. If someone votes for this display using the QR code on the basket next to Buzz Lightyear, they are entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card and a toy set. The winner will be announced on October 31st through the Sanders Team Realty Facebook page.
Extraterrestrial Creature Spotted in Downtown Woodstock!
This famous E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial display was put on by Atlanta Communities. Atlanta Communities is a real estate company located at 9860 Highway 92. Pictured is Elliott and E.T. on a bike, ready to fly to the moon!
Waldo found outside of the restaurant, Pure Taqueria, in Downtown Woodstock.
This Where’s Waldo display was created by Open Door Talk. Open Door Talk is a therapy center that helps teens, adults, and families deal with anxiety, depression, conflicts, and relationships. Open Door Talk is located at 3205 South Cherokee Lane Suite 130. Pictured is Waldo in his classic red and white striped outfit.
Easter and Fourth of July Joined Forces for Halloween this Year!
This American themed bunny was put on display by the Plumb Doctor. The Plumb Doctor is a licensed and insured plumbing business.
In Downtown Woodstock, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” -Pepa from Encanto.
This Encanto themed scarecrow display was put together by the Primrose School of Bells Ferry and Sixes Road. Pictured are Mirabel and Bruno Madrigal.
Minions are on the Lookout for some Bananas this Halloween!
Subtly Southern created this Minions display for Halloween this year. Subtle Southern is an online shop, owned by a woman and a veteran.
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game!” -Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer. Pictured from left to right: Macie Brown and Anakate Cox.
South Cherokee Baseball put on this awesome interactive display, where people can take pictures as baseball players. South Cherokee Baseball Park is at 6625 Old Highway 5.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 are stirring up trouble in Downtown Woodstock. Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Pannell and Macie Brown.
This Cat in the Hat inspired arrangement was done by Southern Pheonix Services. Southern Pheonix Services is a local plumbing service located at 9801 Main Street. This is another great interactive scarecrow display to get a picture taken with.
Cultivate your Inner Goddess!
This beautiful Garden of Eden display was created by Downtown Woodstock business, Eden. Eden is a smoothie and juice bar located at 470 Chambers Street.
These scarecrows are getting to work grilling burgers!
This detailed scarecrow display was put together by Cheeseburger Bobby’s. Cheeseburger Bobby’s has delicious burgers and fries and has a store at 2295 Towne Lake Parkway. If someone takes a picture with these awesome scarecrows, and tags the photo with #CHEESEBURGERBOBBYS, they are entered for a chance to win a free burger if they upload the tagged photo to Facebook or Instagram.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road all the way to Dorothy’s House in Downtown Woodstock! Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Pannell as Glinda and Macie Brown as the Wicked Witch of the West.
This magical, The Wizard of Oz themed, scarecrow display was contributed by Coldwell Banker Realty. Coldwell Banker Realty is a real estate company located at 625 Molly Lane. This scarecrow display is very interactive and a great place to snap a photo. On the left side of the building, someone can pose as the Cowardly Lion. In the front of the building two people can pose as Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West. Also, on the left side of the building someone can pose as the Tin Man.
“You’ve got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may lead.” -Elvis Presley.
This King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, display was created by Vibe Realty. Vibe Realty is a local boutique real estate brokerage, with a location at 790 Market Street. This Elvis themed scarecrow is a great way to get into the fall spirit.
The Wolverines are Here and They’re Ready to Fight!
This Woodstock Wolverine themed scarecrow set up was a contribution by the Woodstock Jr. Wolverines. This display is a great way to get into the Wolverine and fall spirit through football and cheer!
This skeleton is serving up food that is to die for!
The dining skeleton display was put up by Sidelines Grille in Holly Springs. Sidelines Grille is offering some great deals starting with Monday someone can get a half slice of cake with the order of any entrée, on Tuesday Sidelines hosts a trivia night, on Wednesday kids eat free, and on both Saturday and Sunday Sidelines serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Pannell. Come BEE in the Fall Spirit!
This The Nightmare Before Christmas and bee themed display was created by HVAC Bee is a heating and air conditioning company that has a location at 715 Hammond Drive. In the photo above, Jack Skellington can be seen in a bee costume next to his dog Zero.
Elizabeth Pannell included that, “My favorite scarecrow is the HVAC Bee because the way the business promoted themselves through the scarecrow was really creative and unique.”
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Pannell. “May the Froth be With You!” -The Circuit.
This picture captures Darth Vader turned into coffee barista. This Star Wars themed display was put on by The Circuit. The Circuit is a coffee shop and eatery, that offers a friendly environment, located at 1 Innovation Way.
“I am Groot.”-Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy.
This Guardians of the Galaxy themed display was created by Crabapple Landscape Experts. Crabapple Landscape Experts is a landscaping business that resigns at 1012 Union Center Drive A. Shown in the picture is Rocket with a leaf blower, standing next to his best friend Groot.
Macie Brown gave insight that, “The Guardians of the Galaxy display is my favorite because I find it so cool how they created Groot out of actual tree parts. It is the perfect display to be used to advertise a landscaping company!”
The scarecrows in Downtown Woodstock are a fantastic way to get into the fall spirit. The scarecrows are definitely worth the walk by and are a perfect activity to do with friends.
The Wolverine Times 
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