There haven’t been any crows flying through downtown Travelers Rest since October 4th — and for good reason! Now through November 3rd, scarecrows dot the sidewalks, cling to poles, and lounge on benches all over downtown.
This year’s theme is easy to guess: “It’s a Workout!” Each scarecrow is striking a fitness-inspired pose, ready for their favorite exercise routine. As you stroll down Main Street, keep an eye out for stores and restaurants with pumpkins in the window — that’s your cue to step inside and vote for your favorite “model”-crow.
There’s so much to enjoy in Travelers Rest this time of year. As the town’s website says, “Come see why autumn in Travelers Rest is nothing short of magical.” Maybe it’s the colors, the crisp air, or the way the community sits right at the foot of the mountains — but fall here truly feels special.
A Little Scarecrow History
Since Halloween is right around the corner, let’s dig into some scarecrow history. The tradition dates back over 3,000 years to Ancient Egypt, where farmers used children and slaves to chase birds from crops. In medieval Europe, “bird scarers” — usually young boys — would roam fields waving their arms, shouting, and throwing stones to frighten pests.
After the Black Death, the population declined, and farmers began making straw-stuffed figures instead. Some even stretched nets over wooden frames so birds would get trapped. Meanwhile, Native Americans stationed adult men on raised platforms to guard their crops.
Scary Scarecrow Legends
Of course, scarecrows have their share of spooky stories, too. One of the creepiest is the legend of Hans Trapp — the Christmas Cannibal Scarecrow.
In 14th-century France, a cruel knight named Hans Trapp was excommunicated from the church and transformed into a scarecrow-like figure. According to legend, he developed a taste for human flesh and once attacked a young shepherd boy. Before he could eat his gruesome meal, however, a bolt of lightning struck him down — poetic justice for a man made of straw.
If you’re in the mood for more frightful folklore, check out Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark — it’s filled with eerie tales perfect for Halloween night.
That’s a lot of scary talk — but it’s all in good fun. With Halloween just days away, downtown Travelers Rest is the perfect place to enjoy the season — no actual crows (or cannibal scarecrows) in sight!