Minskip's annual Scarecrow Competition makes a return

Minskip, near Boroughbridge, will see its main street lined with scarecrows in a blaze of colour over the two days.

Many residents in the village create scarecrows for the event.

This year they will be following the theme of When I Grow Up, I Want To Be…

Previous years' themes have included the Olympics, Pantomimes, Disney, and Nursery Rhymes.

Last year's imaginative offerings included a Minion scarecrow (Image: Laura Hargreaves)

The 2024 winners will be judged by Radio York's Elly Fiorentini, who also judged last year's scarecrows.

One of the principal organisers of the competition, Debbie Hargreaves, said: "As the main fundraiser for St John’s Church, the event has grown hugely since its inception four years ago.

"Winners will be announced in the church garden on the Sunday afternoon.

"We are so grateful to Elly and Radio York for their fantastic support and help in publicising the event.

Carl from Disney's Up was another of last year's scarecrows (Image: Laura Hargreaves)

"It’s absolutely wonderful how so many villagers have made scarecrows in the past and I expect the same this year.

"The competition has really caught the imagination in recent years of the village and the standard is incredibly high.

"It’s great fun and all proceeds from the competition go towards our little church, which, like so many rural churches, is desperately in need of money.

"Apart from raising money for the church, the Scarecrow Competition is a brilliant way of creating and enhancing community spirit within Minskip.

"We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming village and this weekend is a great example of this.

Last year's Mad Hatter scarecrow came complete with a tea party table (Image: Laura Hargreaves)

"Please come along and join in the fun and help support our lovely little church.

"We will have the usual delicious home-baked cakes and tea/coffee on offer on both days of the weekend (12-4pm) in the Church garden, along with ice creams and hot dogs on Saturday.

"Then alongside the cakes, there will be ice creams, Pimms, and a barbecue on Sunday (again 12-4pm).

"Other stalls on Sunday will include a tombola and a pre-loved stall.

"We will have car parking in the village field, so pop along and see the exhibits then call in for a cuppa and a bite to eat as you go round.

The Little Mermaid in scarecrow form (Image: Laura Hargreaves)

"We look forward to welcoming you all."

Robert Beaumont, churchwarden of Minskip Church, added: "I’d like to thank Debbie and her team for all their hard work, enthusiasm, and imagination in creating this fantastic weekend.

"It will raise much-needed money for our lovely little church and help to keep it as a vibrant part of our village community."

Prizes have been donated by three Minskip businesses, The Wild Swan Inn, Peacock Brothers Haulage, and Minskip Garage.

The suggested entry fee is £10.

For more information, please contact Robert Beaumont on 01423 323139 or 07710 127713.