Jack Skellington, Palm Lady among winners

SARATOGA’S SCARECROW CONTEST

This is the project’s 12th year; dozens of entries decorate the Saratoga Village

Laurel Perusa, center, chair of the Saratoga Scarecrow Competition, shows “Palm Lady” to judges Vicki Seelig, second from right, president of the chamber of commerce, and Bob Himel, a Saratoga resident. The scarecrow was judged the most original. PHOTOS BY NHAT V. MEYE — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

“Jack Skellington” is the winner of the “Scariest” scarecrow.

Contest chairman Laurel Perusa inspects “Dog (Jimmy) & Cat (Simon).”

The “Scarecrow Family” is the winner of the “Most Creative” scarecrow.

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By Isha Trivedi

Bay Area News Group

Downtown Saratoga’s Big Basin Way saw the arrival of over 100 new residents this fall, most of which are made of straw and cloth.

The 12th annual Saratoga Scarecrow project is in full swing, as dozens of homemade scarecrows line the sidewalks and businesses in the Saratoga Village. A panel of three judges on Oct. 21 chose the winners in four categories.

“Every age group loves it,” scarecrow contest coordinator Laurel Perusa said.

The Saratoga High School Class of 1968’s “scarecrow family,” located just outside of the Chamber of Commerce office, was recognized as most creative. Kate Hendren’s pair of scarecrows, called Jon and Meg, located outside Big Basin Cafe were deemed the funniest. The Saratoga Educational Foundation’s Jack Skellington, who is placed adjacent to the Scarecrow Family near the Chamber, earned the “scariest scarecrow” title. Lynda Pevar’s “Palm Lady,” a scarecrow made of plant fibers across the street from La Fondue, received the award for most original.

Winners of the contest, sponsored by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, receive a $60 gift card to a Saratoga restaurant of their choosing. The scarecrows will remain up in the village until Nov. 8.