Walking into the old Methodist church in Durrow to meet some of the faces behind Durrow Scarecrow Festival, it is difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not.

“Last year we had a lady who made a priest and it looked the absolute spit of our local one. People used to stop to let him cross the road. He loved it,” laughs Emer O’Brien, a member of the committee.

In its eighth year, this quirky festival has grown exponentially, and almost 200 scarecrows are expected to grace the streets of Durrow this year – including 80 legs for a can-can extravaganza.

“The manufacturing of the scarecrows has been in Evelyn Clancy’s house for the last seven years. The whole house was covered with them,” exclaims Rose Woods, who is also a member of the festival committee.

The festival has proven its undoubted success, with the earnings allowing the purchase of the old local Methodist church and its refurbishment process.

“We have the roof done and the windows have all been refurbished,” says Evelyn. “This will be the festival headquarters when it is all done up.”

Growing a festival

Inspiration for the festival drew on the progression of the concept in England and America and has since reached phenomenal prosperity within the community. These days, the festival welcomes over 20,000 people from across the country.

“The event started out with the Howya Festival, which had the scarecrow competition in it,” explains Evelyn, as she carefully stitches an ear for a stuffed sheep. “After that, people were telling us of how they came for the scarecrows. So we changed it to the Scarecrow Festival ever since.”

In the early years, the festival was met with great support from Laois County Council and partnership, who provided funding for three years. The committee then match-funded this, allowing them to buy marquees, barriers, tables and chairs for the event.

“There is a huge expense in the festival, there is €3,000 needed for the prize money alone. We now fund ourselves and make a profit. Fáilte Ireland provides €2,000, which helps with the entertainment and insurance as well.”

The Trojan work undertaken by the team is evident when stepping through the threshold of the building and into a cascade of creativity.

“Only a certain amount of us do this part and no one gets paid,” says Marie Moylan. “Come the festival, there will be well over 100 volunteers [involved].”

Community spirit

From materials to making, it takes an army to get this show on the road, and to what does it owe its success? The people within the community, of course.

Every year, the people of Durrow open their minds and doors to the festival, quite literally.

“Last year someone opened up their garage, on their own initiative, and had a mummy of David Bowie laid out. Every so often he would get in himself and frighten people as they go by,” laughs Evelyn.

People in the area kindly donate much-needed materials that make the scarecrows come to life, including tights, duvets and clothes.

As one can imagine, the festival has seen all kinds of scarecrows imaginable pass through their village, with Donald Trump making more than one appearance last year.

Favourites among the ladies are some of Evelyn’s creations, including Mother Hubbard and Mary Poppins, however they agree that fantastic entries are received from across the country.

“There is a group from Kilkenny who fill the green up with a collection. Last year they had Noah’s Ark with all the different animals. It was massive,” Emer remembers.

“They did a dinosaur the year before, complete with moving parts.”

The local school also takes part in the excitement, with the festival’s committee running workshops with the fifth- and sixth-class students every year.

This year

The festival will run for nine days and entry for adults costs just €3, with children roaming free. With a number of spectacles spread across the calendar, there is sure to be something to tempt everyone in the family.

“Our main aim is to keep this as a family event,” says Evelyn.

Emer confirms: “We have workshops, a Harry Potter interactive zone, summer camps, bouncy castles, a fairy village and lots more.”

Live music will ring through the streets with Woodbine, Away with the Fairies and loads more. The Leafy Loop Walk and Castle Durrow are also worth popping into when you are around the area.

After everything is said and done, the highlight for all of those who are involved behind the scenes is before the festival ever begins.

“The Saturday before the festival, we arrive down to an empty green and by Saturday night, when we are all walking away, the place is fully decorated. It’s a massive achievement,” beams Evelyn. CL

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival will run from 30 July to 7 August. For further information, visit www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com CL