The inaugural Maleny Scarecrow Festival was a community event in 1998 that would celebrate the unique rural character of Maleny through the creation and display of scarecrows.

Since ancient times, scarecrows have been used throughout the world, not only to protect crops, but also in the belief that their presence would increase fertility and enrich the harvest. Lyn Fellowes was inspired by this artistic form of cultural expression. She sought assistance from Bob Burns, director of the Australian Festival & Cultural Events Group. With a small group of dedicated supporters, they committed themselves to developing a festival that would enhance community identify and compliment the rural landscape. The community responded enthusiastically by creating the magic and sharing the experience. Above all, the scarecrows touched everyone’s heart.

As time went by, the festival spread down the Mary Valley, through Conondale and Kenilworth. It had a break during the mid “naughties” (around 2006 I think), mainly due to the pressure placed on the community during the fight against the Queensland State Government over the ill fated Traveston Crossing Dam proposal.

In late 2009, the dam proposal was quashed by the Federal Government and the local community then set about reviving the festival (as the Mary Valley Scarecrow Festival). This was well received and towns from Crystal Waters in the south to Lagoon Pocket in the north rolled up their sleeves and created their querky creations a plenty. Thus the festival was re-established.

The early days: When it began in 1998 in Maleny, the concept was to create a cultural event that would enhance Maleny’s distinctive rural qualities and offer a unique opportunity for the local and wider communities to express their creativity. It was difficult to imagine a more perfect setting for hundreds of artistic and whimsical scarecrows than the rolling emerald green hills of Maleny. The event was based on the creation and display of scarecrows throughout the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The Festival coincided with the September school holidays to maximise the opportunity for families, the local community and visitors to participate in a wide range of activities.

In 1998 there were 110 scarecrows entered in the competition, with more than 200 on display throughout the region.

The organisers initiated relationships with other Scarecrow festivals throughout the world, including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe with the aim to seek international participation, with a view to expanding the cross-cultural elements available to the community.

The original organiser was Lyn Fellows, Festival Director 1998 to 2001. Lyn is a New Zealand born nationalised Australian living in the Conondale area with husband Ron. She was a wildlife carer, organic farmer, and writer, before embarking on a round the world trip by motor cycle.