Costumed creations adorn central Cranford

Spooky scarecrow versions of Peter Pan, the Joker of "The Dark Knight" and others have descended on Cranford's downtown to celebrate the Halloween season.

The life-size scarecrows adorn downtown lampposts and storefronts. They are part of a community contest designed to bring more people to Cranford's business district.

"People from other towns are coming in to see the scarecrows, walking all over town, because it's so easy and enjoyable," said Kathleen Prunty, director of the downtown management corporation. "It's fun, and you get to see how creative people are."

Among the scarecrows are "The Mad Hatter," "Hannah Scare-tana," "The Incredible Hulk" and many designed with the likeness of historical and sports figures.

Individuals, business owners and students built the scarecrows, which were put on display last week and will remain up until Halloween.

Residents may pick up a ballot at the Cranford Library and most stores downtown to vote for their three favorites.

Gift certificates for downtown businesses will be awarded for first, second and third-place winners, as well as one for best design by a business owner. The top prize is a $100 gift certificate.

Judith McKay-Devenny helped her daughter's kindergarten class build one that she described as a "good, old-fashioned scarecrow," named Ken D. Garden for the contest.

"My children and I enjoy going downtown and looking at the scarecrows to see the ones our friends built," McKay-Devenny said. "They get so excited every time we go past them. The joy they are getting out of it is contagious."

Cranford resident Cindy McGrath tried her hand at scarecrow building for the first time this year when she constructed a version of Peter Pan with Tinkerbell resting on the side of his arm.

McGrath said after a little research, it took about two days to build the scarecrow.

"I started with a T-frame and bought felt and fabric and put it together with shirt and pants," McGrath said. "I saw them downtown last year and thought it was a neat idea."

Judy Schneider, a resident and an artist who designed her second scarecrow this year, chose the Joker character from last year's movie "The Dark Knight."

"It was between the Joker and Lucille Ball," Schneider said. "I went with the Joker because I thought it would be scarier for Halloween."

Tracee M. Herbaugh is a reporter for the New Jersey Local News Service. She may be reached at therbaugh@njlns.com or (908) 243-6214.