Scarecrows are traditionally placed to discourage unwelcome visitors, but not in East Bootbay. Each October since 2013, scarecrows have appeared along Route 96 and Murray Hill Road in more of a welcoming act. The tradition began when Holly and Jack Fulmer spent their first year as year round residents. The couple was traveling in Vermont and drove through a small village. They turned a corner and saw an array of scarecrows which brought  smiles to their faces. 

They returned to East Boothbay inspired to bring a new tradition to their new home. “We wanted to do something which showed community and celebrate fall together. We have a great bunch of neighbors who usually gather here, but not this year due to the COVID, take their straw or hay and enjoy some hot cider. This year, it was more of grab-and-go,” Holly Fulmer said. 

This year, the Fulmers and six other residents have scarecrow displays. Usually, participants are double this year’s total. Holly Fulmer believes COVID-19 resulted in fewer scarecrows. The Fulmers’ scarecrow is making a return visit from last year: A road worker scarecrow appears, but with one significant difference. “He is there to slow down the traffic which he does a great job at. He also wears a mask reflecting the times,” she said.  The road worker also has a heart flag made by Jessica Nadeau beside him this year.

In past years, the Fulmers and other participants have often changed their scarecrows’ appearance each year. Holly Fulmer remembers her first scarecrow epitomized her past life as a Floridian. “I had lived my whole life in Florida so in 2014 we had a scarecrow theme called ‘Recovering Floridians.’ They were dressed in beach attire, sitting in beach chairs with blow-up flamingos and alligators,” she said. 

The scarecrows are also a welcome sight for incoming East Boothbay visitors. “There are lots of horn honking showing support as well as picture taking. I also see a lot of smiles from people driving by,” she said.