Gwinnett Daily Post

HOSCHTON - The scarecrow competition has become a popular part of Hoschton's Fall Festival.

So this September, the city will attempt to break a Guinness World Record: most scarecrows in one location.

Robbie Bettis, a lifelong Hoschton resident, said such a record could help put her city on the map. Bettis, who has a background in marketing education, said she developed the idea for the scarecrow record.

The goal is to set up 4,000 scarecrows throughout Hoschton by Sept. 1, Bettis said. That will give organizers enough time to take photographs of the straw men and send the information to London.

Bettis, who also helps organize the annual fall festival, said she hopes to announce the results at the festival, which takes place Sept. 26 to 27.

Mayor Bill Copenhaver said he thinks the record would be something unique for the town.

"We're hoping if people hear about us, they'll drive up," he said. "We want to promote the city as a destination. Shop at our stores. Eat at our restaurants."

Breaking the record - 3,311 scarecrows put up by the Cincinnati Horticultural Society - will be a community effort, Bettis said. Schools, churches, businesses, organizations and subdivisions are being asked to participate.

People in neighboring communities are also invited to help, Bettis said. Their creations can be taken to City Hall - or someone will come pick it up, she said.

Bettis said she is also looking for a sponsor who will donate $1 for each scarecrow. The money would be donated to Driving Magic, a Hoschton-based nonprofit organization.

For more information about the festival, visit www.hoschtonfallfestival.com.