Notably absent from the entries were Little Einstein’s Preschool and Auto Wrench Connection, two perennial favorites. In both of the previous two years, Little Einstein’s had finished in the top three. Although this year would see slightly less than half as many entries as the previous year, many observers commented that the scarecrows were particularly impressive for 2020.

Once again, the online voting overshadowed those cast on paper ballots, which amounted to only 11 votes. In the end, Spirit of Fall, created by Gowanda Homeschoolers, had accumulated 74 votes including 70 cast online to take first place. The Gowanda Free Library entry, Wild Thing, captured second place with 57 votes. By a margin of 26-23, the Good Shepherd by Gowanda’s Love, INC edged out Gabel Brothers with Restless Randy for third Place.

While the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce did not hold any events of their own for Fallfest Weekend 2020, they did contribute to the Scarecrow Contest. In addition to the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals given out by the contest to the winners, the Chamber awarded each a $25 check as an added bonus prize.

With many local organizations who would normally host activities during FallFest Weekend in Gowanda backing away from doing so in this COVID complicated year, the Gowanda Free Library was a focus of activity. Their annual Mum Sale & Bake Sale was scheduled to take place on both Sept. 25 and 26.

Second place, Wild Thing by Gowanda Free Library. Award accepted by Hayley Wilkins.

An overwhelming response saw them sold out by 1 p.m. that Friday. They were unable to locate any addition plants to sell and substituted a used book sale on FallFest Saturday. The library also offered lawn games for children that Saturday.

Third place was The Good Shepherd by Love, INC. Award accepted by Kathy Camp. Each winner received a $25 check from Irene Jimerson representing the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce.