In England, there are small, sleepy villages that might not seem very exciting. But once a year, something amazing happens. These charming villages turn into a magical place that draws people from all over. What makes them so special? Scarecrows! It's called the Scarecrow Festival, and it happens for about a week every summer all over the UK.
The Scarecrow Festivals started to become popular in the late 1990s. They began as a way for local people to collect money for their village. Now, they're beloved events that bring thousands of visitors every year. These villages are picture-perfect with their pretty stone houses and lots of green plants.
What makes the Scarecrow Festival different from other village events is the creativity and imagination on display. People in the village make scarecrows from all sorts of things like straw, old clothes, and sticks. Each scarecrow is a unique piece of art, full of character and humour.
You might see scarecrows doing all sorts of things, like riding a bike or having a picnic. Even local shops get in on the fun by decorating their stores with scarecrow-themed things to buy. It's a surprise at every turn.
The best part is that you get to be a judge. You can vote for your favourite scarecrow. It's tough because they're all wonderful and a little bit different. If you're a family with children, there's lots of fun stuff to do. You can go on treasure hunts, get your face painted, make crafts, and play games. It's a perfect day out for everyone.
By Tim Green - https://www.flickr.com/photos/atoach/52331087282/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=125058696
By UrchfontRDP - Photograph of my own scarecrow in my own garden, UrchfontPreviously published: Facebook, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18865773
When the sun goes down, the villages light up the scarecrows. They look enchanting in the evening. It's a sight you can't miss. These scarecrows show the creativity and togetherness of the people in these villages. It's not just about the scarecrows; it's about the community behind them.
If you want to have a special day in the countryside, go to a Scarecrow Festival. They usually happen over a weekend in August, but check the exact dates before you go. It's a unique experience in lovely villages that you'll remember for a long time. Scarecrow Festivals are all about communities coming together to create something special. It's a great example of how a simple idea can become a yearly tradition that makes people happy. So, pack a picnic and get ready to enjoy a Scarecrow Festival – a day out that will make you love the countryside even more.
Check your understanding
What is the special event that transforms the sleepy villages in England into magical places once a year?
How did the Scarecrow Festivals begin, and what is their status today?
What sets the Scarecrow Festival apart from other village events, and how are scarecrows created for it?
What kinds of activities and surprises can you find at the Scarecrow Festival for families and visitors?
Why is the evening time particularly enchanting during the Scarecrow Festival?
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Vocabulary
Sleepy: quiet and not very active or bustling, a peaceful, calm place.
Beloved: deeply loved, cherished, or adored by many people.
Picture-perfect: something that looks exactly as you'd expect it in a perfect or ideal way.
Creativity: The ability to come up with new and original ideas or solutions, especially in artistic or imaginative contexts.
Humour: a sense of fun, playfulness, or light-heartedness that makes something enjoyable or amusing.
Enchanting: Delightfully charming or captivating, often with a sense of magic or wonder.
Community: A group of people living in the same area or sharing a common interest, often working together or supporting each other.
Treasure hunts: Games or activities where you search for hidden items or clues to find a hidden "treasure."
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