PITTSTON — The colors of autumn aptly set the stage Saturday for Pittston Memorial Library’s Scarecrow Festival.

While manning the front desk, Carol Coolbaugh said pumpkins that were offered to the first 100 children were gone in the first 15 minutes of the event.

“Not only were the children having fun with the wonderful display of scarecrows and activities, they were also taking out books and getting library cards,” said Coolbaugh.

Elizabeth Pantucci said her daughter, Violet, was having loads of fun as she made her way through the colorful displays and activities.

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Violet, 5, smiled brightly when her mom asked if she liked coming to the library.

“It’s one of her favorite places,” said Elizabeth Pantucci.

Jason Boettger played different roles at the event, judging the pie-baking and entering the scarecrow contest.

What he enjoyed most was simply being able to spend time with his family.

Taking time to explain his Mindcraft-themed scarecrow, he credited his children with getting the job done. (For the older crowd, Mindcraft is a video game some younger folks just love.)

Boettger said his children — Caden, 9, and Abigail, 7 — colored, pasted and sealed the scarecrow, which had a pixelated appearance and was a favorite of attendees.

Boettger, whose wife Kristen is the children’s librarian, said the library regularly provides carefully crafted activities geared to the younger set.

Danny Klein, of Duryea, said his children thoroughly enjoyed the festival and the library.

Grace Klein, 6, and Maddox Klein, 5, enthusiastically participated in the games and raffles, finally taking time to sit and enjoy a snack.

Danny and his wife Lynn were especially happy to be among those who received a pumpkin.

“We’re going to take it home and carve it later,” said Danny. “This has been a really wonderful day.”

Meanwhile, Norma Talbot took time to admire a scarecrow crafted by members of the Falls Active Adult Center, of which she is a member.

Members of the center were hoping to win “best scarecrow” and a small cash prize.

“We’re in need of a television set,” she said. “And winning would be really helpful.”

Rose Fasciana volunteered at the event dressed as a scarecrow, taking time for photos and a hug with those who stopped.

Fasciana, who can also be seen dressed as a tomato at the Pittston Tomato Festival, is a pre-school teacher who enjoys costumes that bring smiles to children’s faces.

Library director Patricia Joyce, also bearing a bit of straw and burlap, said the event’s first year exceeded expectations.

“There was about 300 people here,” she said. “We’re really happy.”

Elizabeth Pantucci, daughter Violet, 5, and Amy Jones, all of Pittston, make their way through a scarecrow display, which was part of the Pittston Memorial Library’s inaugural Scarecrow Festival.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_scarecrow1-1-.jpg.optimal.jpgElizabeth Pantucci, daughter Violet, 5, and Amy Jones, all of Pittston, make their way through a scarecrow display, which was part of the Pittston Memorial Library’s inaugural Scarecrow Festival.

Library Director Patricia Joyce enjoys time with Grace Klein, 6, and Maddox Klein, 5, during a scarecrow festival at the Pittston Memorial Library.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_scarecrow3-1-.jpg.optimal.jpgLibrary Director Patricia Joyce enjoys time with Grace Klein, 6, and Maddox Klein, 5, during a scarecrow festival at the Pittston Memorial Library.
Festival combines learning, fun

By Geri Gibbons

For Sunday Dispatch