A spooky Halloween tradition is now on display in Ladner Village.
The fourth annual Ladner Village Scarecrow Contest started this week and runs until the end of October.
The contest is the brainchild of Angela Husvik, owner of Angela’s Boutique.
Husvik recalls that in October of 2016 she was getting her hair styled at Billie’s Barbershop and chatting with stylist Adina Shore about the lack of Halloween decorations in Ladner Village.
“I mentioned that I had been in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury district a few years earlier in October and nearly all the businesses were decorated for Halloween and I said it was like a contest,” said Husvik. “Our conversation evolved into ‘we should have a contest’ and the Ladner Village contest was born.”
Even with the late start, there were 34 contestants the first year, 30 in 2017 and 38 last year, including pairs and trios of scarecrows per business.
“There is a lot of buzz in the village about this year's event, and business owners are telling me they are excited for it,” she said. “We are getting calls asking what the rules are or are there any rules and we just respond that there aren't really any. Simply have their creations out beginning Oct. 1 and let us know so that we can add them to our list and come by to take a photo for our social media.”
Judges are selected each year to choose first, second and third place winners. Prizes are collected randomly by any business that would like to donate, and the contest is promoted on Instagram and Facebook.
First prize every year is a quarter-page full colour ad in the Optimist.
Ballot boxes will be placed at Localz Urban Cafe, Stir Coffee House and Cafe de Gourmet this year for “People's Choice” votes.
“Adina is no longer helping out, but this year Camille Turner has stepped up to help deliver the invitation letter and poster to Ladner Village businesses,” said Husvik. “It's a great way to meet fellow merchants and get into the community spirit. I personally enjoy the camaraderie that comes from members of the business community and their staff participating in a fun, seasonal event that helps to bring people into our beloved Ladner Village and put a smile on their face.”
