Acton’s annual “Stand Up to Stigma” Scarecrow Contest celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate by building a scarecrow. The proceeds benefit the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex. Over the years there have been plenty of entries that offered meaningful commentary on mental health awareness and many just-plain-fun scarecrows.
To enter a scarecrow, bring a $25 donation to Cucurbit Farm at 32 Parker St. in Acton and pick up your scarecrow starter frame. Then drop off your family friendly scarecrow at the farm stand. Creativity is welcome, but as the event attracts many young families, scary themes are discouraged. Suburban Dad carrying a Winnie the Pooh or Disney themed scarecrow with multiple kids “helping” is an often repeated, cute as can be, scenario at the event. Some scarecrows focus on personal statements about the mental health journey while others point to resources. Plenty of entries are good old-fashioned scarecrows.
Many scarecrows promote organizations or businesses. The Acton Rotary Club, League of Women Voters, Lion’s Club, Acton Conservation Trust, Women’s Club, AB Family Network, Acton Garden Club, Emerson Health Auxiliary, Danny’s Place, Acton Boxborough United Way, religious organizations, the Acton Police and Fire Departments, and area mental health support organizations consistently participate.
The scarecrows go up on October 1st. Then the public is invited to vote for their favorite scarecrow, with cash prizes for the winners announced on November 1. There’s a corn maze on site as well. The goal is 100 scarecrows along the fence on Parker St. and many conversations about mental health.
Cucurbit Farm’s history in Acton dates to the Christofferson family in 1896. The farm began on School Street and has remained in the family through what is now the current 4th and 5th generations with the farmstand operating on the Parker St. near School St. location. Cucurbit Farm grows annuals, perennials, prize-winning tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, and a wide variety of vegetables that are sold seasonally at the farmstand. They also offer locally produced food items, and cut trees are available for the Christmas season.
NAMI Central Middlesex is dedicated to helping build better lives for people living with mental health conditions and their family members. They offer free in-person and online support groups and classes and sponsor community programs on mental health topics. Their Family Support Group has met in Acton/Littleton since 2011. Board members also participate in Emerson Health’s Community Needs Health Assessment and strategic implementation plan. Additional information is available at namicentralmiddlesex.org.
Lori Krinsky is the president of NAMI Central Middlesex and an Acton resident.