Scarecrow battle returns to the Bellarine

THE Great Australian Scarecrow Competition has returned to the Bellarine for a second year and organisers are looking forward to another year of flair – with a little bit of scare.

Flying Brick Cider Co launched the event last summer as a fun way to both connect with the community and protect its orchards as harvest approaches.

According to the event’s coordinator, Emily Lyons, it’s not just humans who love the ripe apples and pears that go into Flying Brick Cider — the crows love them too.

“The scarecrows not only help us keep all our apples and pears safe from the crows so we can make our delicious cider, but it’s also a fun way of engaging with the community,” Ms Lyons said.

“Some of the entries last year were very scary so I have no doubt in my mind that we succeeded in deterring some birds,” she said.

Ms Lyons said that the best scarecrow designs were unique and that she had some top tips for making them extra scary.

“It doesn’t have to be the scarecrow that you’ve known since your childhood,” she said.

“For the competition you can really think outside the box.
“I think those creations are the ones that are going to be the scariest and the biggest deterrent to those cheeky birds.”

There are some serious incentives to think outside the box: first prize is $2,000, second prize is $1,000 and third prize is $500.

There are also two Flying Brick Cider House $100 vouchers to be won.The competition is open to both individuals and groups. Families, work groups, aged care groups and school groups are all encouraged to enter.

“It’s a great opportunity to get a group of friends or your family together and get creative,” Ms Lyons said.

Last summer’s competition received 55 scarecrows and organisers are hoping to have more than 100 entrants this year as a lot of people discovered their inner creativity during last year’s  COVID-19 lockdown.

“During lockdown many people got involved in arts and crafts so this competition gives those people an opportunity to express it,” Ms Lyons said.

The scarecrows will be placed along the fence of Flying Brick Cider Co on the Bellarine Highway in Wallington.

Participants need to register and can deliver and install their scarecrow from now until March 5. Full details and terms and conditions are available at flyingbrickciderco.com.au.