It’s not a new concept, but each year there’s a whole lot of new looks involving the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport’s annual “Scarecrows on Main Street” event. The fourth annual event once again has witnessed the heart of the city’s downtown corridor decorated with ghostly and friendly scarecrows.

 

“They’re wonderful,” said ABB member Melinda Lindsey who coordinates the event. “The time and creativity is amazing. It just makes everyone feel good about our city and the downtown. It’s such a positive vibe that it puts off and our certain needs positive vibes.”

 

Starting at the Benedum Civic Center and heading east, there are more than a dozen scarecrows attached to the decorative utility poles along Main Street. Although the event is done as an ABB event, there are businesses that aren’t members that often participate. Lindsey said the goal with the event – as long as it’s continued – is to get as many businesses from the ABB involved as possible.

 

“It’s always our goal to complete as many poles up and down both sides of the street with scarecrows,” said Lindsey. “With the streetscape going further than it’s been in the past, there are more chances for businesses to decorate a pole.”

 

Lindsey said the event is done for more than just a positive vibe. As is the case with much of the ABB activities, an attempt is made to draw visitors into the city – and in this case the Main Street corridor – so that they will engage with many of the local small businesses situated along U.S. Route 50. And she said that’s happened all four years of the event.

 

“I hear from my friends and from others that they were told they need to come to the downtown to see the scarecrows,” said Lindsey. “Plus, we hear from our members that they’ve had customers come in, particularly some of the small shops and the coffee shop, who came downtown to see the scarecrows. Plus, I think it’s a lot of fun and I think those businesses that take part have fun with it too. You can tell they enjoy because the scarecrows never cease to amaze me.”

 

Although the event comes to an end this weekend, anyone wishing to learn about the event or to become a member of the ABB can contact Lindsey. She can be reached at 304-677-6773.

 

The photo gallery below, and the large photo above, is done annually by photographer Larry Knight. Connect-Bridgeport.com would like to thank Mr. Knight for his contribution.