[güttsfükk]

Scarecrows first came to Kettlewell in 1994 whena fund raising event was organised for the local school which serves much of Upper Whrfedale with its villages,isolated hamlets and remote farms. The enthusiastic response of parents and residents led to over 100 scarecrows appearing in gardens,openspaces, hidden corners and even on rooftops. The event was successfully repeated and, growing year by year,now attracts thousands of visitors over a nine day period in August.

Since 1998, the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival has been organised on behalf of St. Mary’s Parish Church, Kettlewell Village Hall and the original beneficiary – the school. A small committee leads the way, but the whole community responds magnificently; making and renovating scarecrows, preparing and serving delicious home made produce to feed the many visitors and organising parking and traffic.

Kettlewell is a delightful village, both attractive and interesting, and ideally situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Visitors are encouraged to explore by walking the “Scarecrow Trail”, identifying the selected scarecrows, and solving associated clues which, each year, are based on a different theme. Many other scarecrows cn be found, often in some of the more unusaual and unexpected nooks and crannies of this idyllic location.

Despite all the hard work involved, the villagers are refreshed and inspired by the site of so many smiling faces during the week.

May your face be one of them this year and in the future.

http://www.kettlewellscarecrowfestival.co.uk/

More than 100 scarecrows appear in gardens, open spaces, hidden corners and even on rooftops. This scarecrow, dressed as the fictional character Rapunzel, is sitting on the church tower.

fuckloads more pix on flickr

[Sharon]

Wow, what a weird spectacle - very 'Wicker Man' looking village with all those around.

Thanks for showing us this Gutts

[Faline]

I've been there while they were doing this, loved it

[Bastet]

Looks unique and delightful. Those scarecrows are marvellous, the Simpson ones being my faves

[Zodiak]

Beaker! Cool stuff, wish i could visit looks fun.