This year's Scarecrows-A-Plenty downtown Maple Ridge fall promotion was a scary success.
As many as 40 businesses collected about 800 pounds of non-perishable food, as well as $227 for the Friends in Need Food Bank, according to the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association.
In total, 450 customers cast ballots for their favourite scarecrows.
The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association handed out basic scarecrows for businesses to decorate. Customers were asked to vote for their favourite by bringing in a non-perishable food or cash donation to the business of their choice, and cast a ballot.
Businesses had more chances to win this year.
Of the 40 local businesses that decorated scarecrows, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services collected the most donations. PosAbilities, Town and Country, and Allure Hair Fashions had the best decorated scarecrows given the number of ballots received. These businesses were each awarded a prize.
Also, three participating customers – Mark Howarth, Jacob Shand and Nancy O'Connell – were randomly chosen and awarded prizes. Little Shop of Movies was randomly chosen from a draw for all the participating businesses.
"The DMRBIA was thrilled with the results of this promotion. We are always happy to strengthen ties between local businesses, customers, and community groups, such as the Friends In Need Food Bank," said Dipti Chavan, of the DMRBIA.
"Coordinating events like this is very important to us, and we hope to continue creating events that support our community."
• A full gallery of the decorated scarecrows are available at downtownmapleridge.ca, and all are unique to the individual business.