The Scarecrow is one of the most familiar figures of the rural landscape throughout the world. His ragged figure has been recorded in rural history for centuries. His image has proved irresistible to writer and film makers since the dawn of the silent movie. Yet, despite all his fame, the origins and the development of the scarecrow have remained obscurred in mystery. Earliest known written fact about scarecrow’s were written in 1952. Definition of a scarecrow – that which frightens or is intended to frighten without doing physical harm. Literally that which – scares away crows, hence the name scarecrow.

Scarebarrow Fair. Made by Shaun Kamler and Greg Lavine.

Rusty Scarecrow. Made by Rusty Brebner at Darling Park Vineyard, 232 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill

The decline of the scarecrow is mainly due to the change of farming technology and farmers of today barely make a scarecrow because of technology and modern farming practise. On talking to people young and old it still seems that we have a love of Scarecrows and it’s the same for the hinterland community of the Mornington Peninsula whereby once a year the scenery is enhanced with the character and colour of the Scarecrow Festival.

Scarebarrow Fair. Made by Shaun Kamler and Greg Lavine.

EPS Rescue Rangers. Made by Eastbourne Primary School at Main Ridge Dairy.

The Hinterland Scarecrow Festival Trail is a time when the Mornington Peninsula hinterland comes alive with quirky Scarecrow creations. Displayed along the front yards of the peninsula’s orchards, cottages, farm-gates, mazes, cafes, homes and galleries; the Scarecrows form a touring trail of colourful local characters.  It’s a springtime event that celebrates the Mornington Peninsula’s unique creative character with a Touring Trail of Scarecrow Creations and Fabulous Farm-yard Art.

Sunny. Made by Red Hill Consolidated School

The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Made by Red Hill Memorial Pre-school.

The Hinterland Festival is annual community arts event that celebrates spring, farm-gate creativity and sustainable art on the Mornington Peninsula and as Lovers of the Pen, we encourage and support it wholeheartedly. It’s fun, free, outdoorsy and you’ll never know what you’ll discover until you find it including incredibly artistic interpretations of ‘The Scarecrow’ from a diverse and eclectic community.

St George. Made by St Georges Anglican Church

Dr Dolittle. Made by Main Ridge Vet.

New to this years event is The Scarecrow Sustainability Prize, awarded to the Scarecrow that best describes the theme: “Recover, Reuse, Recycle”. For more information please go to scarecrowfestival.org.au you can download a touring/trail map <http://scarecrowfestival.org.au/trail-map/> . All you need is the keys, a car, add family or friends, a natural sense of adventure and you’ll be ripe for a great day out.