Each year in the fall, as they prepare for the harvest, Kings Landing staff make scarecrows and "Aunt Sallies" to protect their crops and gardens. This year I think their efforts were exceptional. Some resemble other staff members and others reflect "events" on site over the season. There were eleven wonderful "creations" displayed around the village, in gardens, trees and by homes. (Visitors over the weekend could vote on their favourites and judging was to take place as well. The winners have now been added below). If you are a frequent visitor to Kings Landing and you are familiar with the staff, I'm sure you'll have no trouble identifying some of these "characters"....
Warning: Photo heavy post!
If you've ever taken a guided tour at KL, this handsome fellow might look strangely familiar... I loved his facial features and his beard and hair. I think there was a very creative and talented Mrs. Hagerman behind this guy...
Did you notice his handsome ears? Dried apple slices...
Next, on to the Joslin farm.... I think this must be Farmer Joslin's wife with their little pet pig. He was the runt of the litter and Mrs. Joslin knit him a sweater to keep him warm on those cool spring days.
On to the Lint house which was frequented by a skunk this summer. Here is Mrs. Lint surprised by her odorous little friend right in her own front yard! Cheeky little devil!!
Mrs. Perley is a kind soul. There is a single gentleman in the village who has not been able to find himself a wife, despite his best efforts. So Mrs. Perley ordered him a "mail order bride". Here she is, ready and waiting to be claimed by her future husband... The sign reads: "From Mail Order Bride Co. Boston, Mass. To: George"
Over at the Morehouse home, this young fellow was enjoying a swing.... hmmmm.. does he look like a farmhand "taking a break"? Gotta LOVE those feet...
In the Ingraham orchard this fellow was checking to see if the apples were ready for picking..
He looks an awful lot like this gentleman who DOES know a lot about apples....
This scarecrow won THIRD PLACE!!
And in the Ingraham garden this Aunt Sally is keeping her eyes peeled for those pesky blackbirds.
This Aunt Sally won SECOND PLACE!!
At the Heustis house, it seems they were looking ahead to Hallowe'en..."Broomhilda" the witch was staying close to her cauldron... Check out her lengthy fingernails!!
I loved her facial features, right down to her warty nose... SO well done...
At the Long house, this Aunt Sally looks like she is ready for a performance!
Speaking of performances, this fellow looks very much like a long-time KL staffer who sees many visitors each year in his shop.... do you recognize him?
You're right - it's Terry the Blacksmith!! Congrats Terry on winning FIRST PLACE!!!
And lastly, outside the Gorman Carpenter Shop, was this lanky fellow. He looks like he needs a good meal or three. I sure hope someone shared their turkey dinner with him- he's looking a little thin...
So, what do you think? Would YOU be able to choose a favourite? It was not easy.. I loved them all...
Kudos to the KL staff for their hard work all season long, and especially for the many efforts that went into this weekend's Thanksgiving Harvest Festival. The Kings Landing site closes today, with the exception of their Hallowe'en and Christmas Dinners at the Kings Head Inn.
Peace,
Linda
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." ~ E.E. Cummings
