Saturday afternoon on Wiscasset common, Edgecomb’s JoEllen LaFrance was dancing with daughter Lotus, 8. Michelle Peele had her golden retriever Emmett, 2, along as she caught up with her Wiscasset friends she misses after moving to South Bristol. Woolwich’s Bob King was displaying his 1931 Model A car. And Salty Dogs was singing and playing on a stage that had a rake-headed scarecrow beside it.

So began Scarecrowfest.

Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud was satisfied with turnout for the car show along the common and the concert on it. When Wiscasset Newspaper was there, near the end of the car show and 45 minutes into the planned three-hour concert, about 80 people, some wearing facemasks, were milling about or sitting on the grass or in chairs.

The department’s announced precaution Oct. 5 for Scarecrowfest, Oct. 10-18, was for event-goers to wear masks “where they cannot properly socially distance.” And Goud said Saturday’s gathering met COVID-19 guidelines because it was outdoors with ample space for social distancing.

That was part of what got LaFrance to the concert. “I figured we could really socially distance, and I was just tired of being cooped up,” she added. 

Peele said later via text, “Emmett loved the music and the attention!”

Besides the fun at the common, opening day also had a scavenger hunt. On Facebook, the department posted clues to small scarecrows to photograph at businesses. Events continue through Oct. 18. Find the schedule at wiscassetrec.com. Scarecrow-making on the common is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Cornhole at Ames True Value Supply to benefit Toys for Tots is Sunday, Oct. 18. Lincoln County Toys for Tots Coordinator Lisa Marr said registration starts at 10 a.m. and tournament play, 11 a.m.