Whimsy runs rampant as 400-plus scarecrows take over town

Evolving from the first festival in 2009 with 30 scarecrows lining the sidewalks and streets of the town, the Cambria Scarecrow Festival has grown showcase 400+ creations. Along the beachfront motels of Cambria and flowing over into San Simeon, local businesses join in on the fun with their artistic renditions. Scarecrows typically begin appearing the last week of September, with the full crop making its way throughout Cambria and San Simeon by Oct. 1. The annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival Kick-off Party will be held Oct. 2 at the Cambria Nursery & Florist with wines poured from Pacific Coast Wine Trail wineries; beers from Cambria Beer, and appetizers from La Terazza. Awards will be presented based on votes from celebrity judges.

Throughout the month, the public is invited to cast votes for the People’s Choice Awards; straw ballots will be available for one dollar apiece at select locations, along with a chance to win a two-day stay in Cambria. For more on the Scarecrow Festival, call Sue Robison at (805) 927-2597 or email info@cambriascarecrows.com. — Meagan Friberg