If you lack a green thumb, then follow the footsteps of Canadian Joe Delaney. After many attempts to grow a garden in his Cap le Moine, Novia Scotia home, Joe and his son Chester planted a scarecrow garden. Travelers began to stop and admire their creations, so the garden grew to over 50 effigies. There were famous people, like Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and members of the band KISS, all drinking, dancing, and dressed in unusual costumes. Joe’s Scarecrow Village became a Cape Breton Island landmark. Unfortunately, over 25 years ago vandals destroyed all but one of the original scarecrows. How could they? Maybe they were Batman fans or something? Delaney named the only remaining scarecrow “Rory” and dubbed him the lone survivor of the 1986 massacre. Anyway, donations came from all over the world and the village was rebuilt. They now have the world’s smallest scarecrow! Fiddle music plays next to a trailer that sells tourist souvenirs and there’s even a suggestion box for future projects. Supposedly the village was closed in late 2011 by Joe’s son Chester. But let’s hope this isn’t true. I can’t live in this world knowing the Scarecrow Village is no more!
Joe’s Scarecrow Village, Nova Scotia
