Soon, a host of creative scarecrows will greet those who enter Bridgeport’s Main Street corridor. As the days on the October calendar fall away, members of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport are harvesting ideas and materials to construct the scarecrows which will be situate upon Main Street utility poles.

 

Annually, members of the community look forward to the fifth annual display, which starts Oct. 10. All paid ABB members will be assigned a utility pole and guidelines for scarecrow design and display. The scarecrows can be posted between Oct. 10 and Oct. 18 and must be removed by Nov. 9.

 

Regardless of business location, assigned scarecrow posts will be along Main Street.

“We want to fill that all up, but we’ve already gotten permission from the city to start doing poles in Charles Pointe if we do fill Main Street,” said Melinda Lindsey of the ABB.

 

Businesses wishing to join forces with the ABB can send the annual $80 dues, checks payable to Associated Businesses of Bridgeport, to P.O. Box 33, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

 

Currently, about 35 city businesses belong. Included are a handful of brand new businesses to the city.

 

“A lot of the smaller businesses usually jump on board quicker than the larger businesses do,” Lindsey said.

 

She encourages businesses – small and big; new and old - to join forces. It’s about networking, she said.

 

“We had a meeting in May and we’re getting ready for another one the first of November. It’s a way for everyone to get to know each other so they can support each other,” Lindsey said. “The things we do are so community-oriented. This is our up-and-coming time of the year – and we are excited.”

 

Other signature ABB events include National Night Out in August and Light Up Night in December.

 

This year’s Light Up Night is scheduled for Dec. 3. As always, the highlight of the event will be the lighting of the city Christmas tree, located on the Benedum Civic Center lawn. ABB member businesses will host booths across Main Street, offering free food, drinks and novelties. The event will also feature various street entertainers and school choir performances.

 

Lindsey said all ABB dues are utilized to fund its signature events. With regard to Light Up Night, that includes payment to entertainers and monetary gifts to participating school choirs.

 

“The benefit to membership is giving back. All money we received is turned around and given back to the community,” Lindsey said. “It’s really and truly all about giving and coming together.”

 

Inquiries about the ABB can be directed to Lindsey at melindalindsey@aol.com or 304-677-6773.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured are scenes from last year's Main Street scarecrow display.