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Families filled Stramski Park on Saturday afternoon for the sixth annual Scarecrow Stroll and Contest, where more than 72 handcrafted scarecrows transformed the outdoor space into a festive Halloween celebration and stroll.
The Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department event drew roughly 900 people with 400 pre-sold tickets and additional walk-up attendees arriving throughout the afternoon to view scarecrow displays and collect candy from volunteer stations. Children in costumes wandered among the creations while families photographed their favorites under clear autumn skies.
Karla Strobel, the event organizer, said the stroll emerged from the pandemic’s challenges.
“So after COVID, we were looking for an outdoor activity that families could come together and be safe,” she said. “It was popular, so this is our sixth year doing it.”
This year marked the largest participation since the event began.
“I think we have over 72, with some popping up some this morning,” Strobel said. “The increase came partly from cardboard scarecrow kits that families could pick up, paint at home and return for display.”
With a forthcoming list of winners, Strobel said the contest featured three categories: businesses and organizations, families and youth groups, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Each category awarded first, second and third place prizes. The Marblehead Police Department contributed a scarecrow, while entries ranged from elaborate pop culture references to traditional harvest designs.
Victoria Stone attended with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, citing the pleasant weather and community atmosphere.
“There is a lot of community support,”Stone said, adding that it was “just perfect day.”
Strobel emphasized the variety as the event’s strength.
“I will say that I can’t say my favorite, but I just love everybody’s is so different,” she said.
Volunteers from Marblehead High School’s National Honor Society and local scout troops staffed candy distribution stations throughout the playground.
Eight-year-old Avery Pinta, dressed as Evie from Disney’s Descendants, proudly showed off her first-place trophy in the children’s division. With a bright blue wig and matching vest, she explained that her alter ego was “half bad, half good” — the daughter of Snow White.
Her favorite part of the day was simple. “Us getting the trophy and winning,” she said with a grin, holding up her prize from the “K Pop Easy Hunters” scarecrow entry.
