Scarecrow Expo hits Niagara River Region

The third annual Scarecrow Expo will be held Oct. 6-28 on the main streets of Lewiston, Youngstown, Ransomville and Sanborn.

This October, the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming visitors to its third annual Scarecrow Expo.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 6 and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 28, the main streets of the River Region will once again come alive with the addition of a number of new residents made out of straw.

Local businesses are being challenged to create their own artistic interpretations of the traditional scarecrow for display outside of their store or restaurant.

Visitors will find scarecrows on display along Center Street in Lewiston, Main Street in Youngstown, Route 93 and Ransomville Road in Ransomville and along Buffalo Street in Sanborn.

This event, coordinated by the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, ties together all four communities of the River Region: Lewiston, Youngstown, Ransomville and Sanbor n.

Visitors are encouraged to browse in the unique shops where they'll discover one-of-a-kind finds or stop in and dine at one of the number of restaurants throughout the area as they travel across the region to view the unique scarecrows. More than 70 entries are expected this year.

There's plenty to see and do this fall in the Lower Niagara River Region. In addition to scarecrow gazing, visitors can stop by one of the region's roadside produce stands or pick their own, stargaze in the orchards from the bay of a hay wagon, treasure hunt in antique stores, tour a winery or take away plenty of homemade treats.

There are many opportunities for family fun including: Old Fort Niagara's Haunted Fortress (www.oldfortniagara.org), Haunted History Ghost Walks (www.artcouncil.org), Niagara Wine Trail Events (www.niagarawinetrail.org) and the Sanborn Winetique Festival (www.northofthefalls.com).

For more information on the Lewiston Scarecrow Festival, call the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce at 754-9500 or visit www.northofthefalls.com. You can also call the events hotline for the River Region encompassing Lewiston, Youngstown, Ransomville and Sanborn at 754-7030.