‘Scarey’ welcome to Te Awamutu

BEES ‘n’ BUTTERCUPS staff (from left) Katie Wilson, Erin Petherick and Sharon Galey take a well-earned break after creating a scarecrow and window display for Fieldays. TC280508CA05

BY CATHY ASPLIN

Scarecrows are usually put up to frighten away unwanted pests - but the scarecrows appearing in Te Awamutu shop windows are for exactly the opposite reason. They are part of displays currently going up to welcome visitors to Fieldays (June 11-14) and new farmers moving into the area next week.

The promotion is part of the "Fieldays Big Little Town Festival" and celebrates the 40th anniversary of Fieldays in the Waipa District.

Cow Pat Bingo (June 10, Selwyn Park) and a street parade have also been planned (contact the Information Centre for further
details).

SCARECROWS

Some of the scarecrows that will appear in town have been created by Arohena School children, while others are the creation
of local businesspeople.

Bees ‘n’ Buttercups shop manager Erin Petherick has created a scarecrow from hay, poles and several items from the Salvation Army store, finished off with some accessories (jewellery, facial features etc) from within her own store. The scarecrow is not yet named, so children are invited to call into the store and provide their suggestions. The best idea will receive a prize. Bees ‘n’ Buttercups staff have also dressed the rest of the window with hay bales, gumboots, cardboard sunflowers, brush fencing from Tall Poppies and some of the store’s wonderful range of Dookie Cow ceramics.

Shop assistant Sharon Galey says when they heard about the promotion they thought it was a great opportunity to have a bit of fun.

‘‘We felt it was a neat idea and we hope other stores will join in to make Te Awamutu an interesting place to visit during Fieldays.’’

The National Agricultural Fieldays Society has provided prizes for the best dressed windows. The winner receives $250 and six passes to Fieldays, second receives $150 and four passes, while third receives $100 and two passes. Judging will be held next week, so the windows need to be viewable from Tuesday, June 3 until the end of Fieldays. Independent judges will be looking for imagination, innovation, an agricultural focus and a good level of presentation. Register or get more information for the competition at the Te Awamutu i-SITE Visitors Centre (ph 871 3259).