This scarecrow isn't meant to frighten crows from stealing corn from the cornfield ­– students from Bauer-Speck Elementary School decorated the storefront at Aardvark Music, 565 12th St. up the street from Downtown City Park, as part of an annual scarecrow contest put on by the Paso Robles Main Street Association in coordination with local merchants and schoolchildren. Photo by Josh Petray.

Storefront displays in downtown Paso Robles have become temporary homes to 33 crafty and creative scarecrows decorated by local schoolchildren in grades K-5. The public may vote for their favorite scarecrows by entering the storefront of their choice and filling out a ballot by Thursday morning, Oct. 29.

The contest, which is hosted by the Paso Robles Main Street Association, is aimed at boosting community spirit in Paso Robles residents, young and old.

Scarecrows will be judged in several categories including "most unique." Those who vote may also win a mystery prize from the store where they cast their ballot.

Schools involved in the contest include Bauer-Speck Elementary School, St. Rose School, Virginia Peterson Elementary School, Trinity Lutheran School, Georgia Brown Elementary School, Winifred Pifer Elementary School, Sycamore Canyon Home School, Kermit King Elementary School and Pat Butler Elementary School.

Students involved in the Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles Children's Museum and People's Self-Help Housing After School Program have also donated handmade scarecrows for the contest.

Several downtown businesses have stepped up to support the student's hard work and creativity, including Vic's Café, Divine Party Creations and Pan Jewelers.

Aardvark Music Store, located at 565 12th St., is currently hosting Bauer-Speck Elementary School's third-grade class, taught by Ms. Dawley.

The storefront has been decorated with handmade music notes and words on how music makes the students feel. The focal point of the display, a denim-wearing scarecrow with a knack for collecting rock 'n' roll records, holds Lynyrd Skynyrd, Roy Rogers and Fleetwood Mac LPs in her lap.

"It's a fun-looking scarecrow and the kids really tried," said Kirstina Kelly, an Aardvark Music employee, "I like how it shows how music makes the kids feel."

Kelly also said it is important for patrons to come out and show their support for the students.

"These kids really put in a lot of time and effort," she said. "If everyone could come out and vote it will show how the community really supports these kids. It really boosts [the students'] confidence and shows that even if people are older, they still care about the younger generation."

Paso Robles Main Street Association Executive irector Norma Moye said she has high expectations for the event.

"I really hope people will come down and do some voting," Moye said.

The Main Street Association also encourages adults and kids to participate in the Safe and Fun Halloween event, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Local businesses will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters during the traditional Halloween-style event. A carved pumpkin contest will start at 6 p.m. at the Downtown City Park fountain, and awards will be given out to the most creative carvers. In addition, kids will be able to take home a fee photo with spooky witches, organizers said. As an alternative to candy corn and chocolate, the El Paso de Robles Historical Society will host a barbecue in Downtown City Park starting at 4 p.m.

For more information about the scarecrow contest or Safe and Fun Halloween downtown contact the Main Street Association at 238-4103.

For the complete article see the 10-16-2009 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 10-16-2009 paper.

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