Hoschton scares up 5,441 scarecrows

Yeah, it was a big deal when Atlanta got the ‘96 Olympics. And folks had a reason to cheer when the Braves won the ‘95 World Series.

But for a real no-brainer of a bragging point, consider this: Hoschton is poised to become the Scarecrow Capital of the World.

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Mark Davis / mrdavis@ajc.com

Hoschton is trying to set a record for scarecrows. It has 5,441. The current record is 3,311, by the Cincinnati Horticultural Society.

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It’s not official, but Hoschton officials are confident that the Jackson County town of 1,700 or so has managed to amass more scarecrows than anyone, anywhere, anytime. On Tuesday, with various elected bigshots standing around, Hoschton announced that it has 5,441 scarecrows posted throughout town and across its 30548 ZIP code.

If the Guinness World Records agrees, Hoschton will wrest the coveted Most Scarecrows title from the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, which grabbed the honor five years ago with 3,311 scarecrows.

Hoschton’s entry stomps all over that number, said Hoschton business woman Robbie Bettis, who suggested the scarecrow-a-thon earlier this year to drum up some publicity for the town’s annual Fall Festival.

“They’re in every subdivision, every nook and cranny,” said Bettis. “I mean, they are everywhere.”

They are. Scarecrows line Ga. 53, the main drag. They peep from porches and grin from garages. They’re clad as children, old people, businessmen, church-goers, football players, vamps, preachers, convicts, mechanics, carpenters, superheroes and more. All, said Bettis, are a labor of civic pride, made by children, old people, businessmen, church-goers and more.

State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine reviewed Hoschton’s entry for immortality and declared it ready for mailing to Guinness’ London offices. The Guinness people have promised a verdict in about six weeks, after reviewing photos and video of Hoschton’s inventory.

While you’re waiting for word from London, consider: If Hoschton does grab the scarecrow title, it will be the second stinging defeat an Ohio city has suffered from a Georgia municipality in recent years.

Just ask the losers of the ‘95 World Series, the Cleveland Indians.