Ranchland Harvest Fest scarecrow contest winnings donated to Canyon School's athletic department

Standing:  Loretta Packham, Justin Schoening, Ida Bond
Sitting: Beatrice Wuth, Norma Dewart, and Rec. Therapist Jennifer Crook

Toni Lucas

A scarecrow building contest hosted by Loretta Packham of Mrs. P's Coffee Corner was held during the recent Harvest Festival held at the Ranchland Mall on September 27  The top two contestants turned out to be Vista Village with a scarecrow princess, and Canyon School grade 6 student Justin Schoening, who entered 'Jeffery', a basketball inspired scarecrow highlighting the Canyon School Cougars Basketball 'shoot the hoops booth' at the Harvest Festival, which was a fundraiser for new team shirts.   "We raised $228.00," said Schoening. Vista Village won the scarecrow contest for the second year in a row. The group of 'crafty' Vista builders decided to donate it back to the second place winner. Loretta Packham said there was only an 8 vote difference between the two scarecrows.


The ladies of Vista Village were very happy to hand their $200 prize to Schoening. They talked of how they enjoyed the team effort of brainstorming a design, and combining their efforts, and even the thrill of the win. They just felt that as they have won a number of the decorating contests, they would like the actual prize money to go to someone else. "We are pros now," said a laughing Beatrice Wuth of Vista. That Schoening is in turn using the money to the betterment of the Canyon School athletic department was very satisfying to all involved. Schoening expressed his appreciation to everyone and talked about how new matching shirts will increase team spirit and pride for his whole team.

"It was his idea to raise the money for the shirts, he really ran with it," said his mother, Shannon Schoening.  Justin was not sure if he has met his needs for the cost of getting the shirts done as he is only partway through the process.  Crow Signs and Embroidery and Pincher Creek Co-op have offered to help the team with donations as well.  If there is excess money Justin and his mom said it will be donated back to school athletics department.

Canyon School is looking for volunteers that can help with building a playground on 

October 23, 24, and 25.  The school needs 30 volunteers for each of the three days. 

Contact the school to volunteer by phone at 403-627-3118 during school hours.