By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The “2015 Tanzhong Scarecrow Art Festival,” organized by the Tanzhong Township Farmers' Association and subsidized by the Changhua County Government, kicked off in grand style on December 19. With numerous recent events in Tanzhong, tourism has become more vibrant. Through scarecrow displays, Christmas trees, and large-scale land art installations, the festival introduces more people to Tanzhong’s reputation as the “Hometown of Rice Ears.”
Tanzhong Township, known as the Hometown of Rice Ears, uses the Scarecrow Art Festival to promote local agricultural products and enhance its image. (Image source / Changhua County Government)
The Scarecrow Art Festival uses localized events to market Taiwan japonica No. 9 rice. Zeng Zhaoying, general manager of the Tanzhong Farmers' Association, said that the Scarecrow Festival will be held on December 19 and 20 at Wanggaoliao in Dingtanzhen, Tanzhong, to promote the local rice brand and establish the image of high-quality Tanzhong rice. On-site, there is a 4-meter-tall scarecrow creation titled “The Elder Farmer Leading the Younger Farmer,” symbolizing agricultural heritage. There are also scarecrows of the God of Wealth, the Deity of the Land, the Goddess of the Land, and various cute designs, plus a scarecrow maze. During the event, there will also be sales of local agricultural specialties, performances by local quality groups, food-tasting activities for livestock and agricultural products, policy promotion, game challenges, and giveaways — making for a rich and exciting program.
The 2015 Tanzhong Scarecrow Art Festival promotional poster. (Image source / Changhua County Government)
Recently, Tanzhong has gained quite a reputation—not only were registrations for the Tanzhong Marathon snapped up instantly, but the recently concluded Mud Sculpture Art Festival was also a huge hit even before it began. This Scarecrow Art Festival, held in the “Hometown of Rice” of Tanzhong Township, is full of local significance and talking points. Coupled with nearby events such as the Water Release Festival in Ershui, the Satai Socks and Guava Festival, and the future development plan of “Qingshui Forest” in Qingshuiyan with an investment of 200 million NTD, together with the launch of operations at the Changhua High-Speed Rail Station, the southeastern corner of Changhua has become even more lively.
Another highlight of the event is the “Tanzhong Rice Creative Bento Contest,” inviting high school, vocational school, and university students to participate. Through the contest, the champion bento of the coming year will be selected as the annual specialty product of Tanzhong rice, adding to the event's appeal. A variety of local agricultural products are also available for visitors to purchase.
【Info】
2015 Tanzhong Scarecrow Art Festival
Event Dates: December 19–20, 2015
Venue: Wanggaoliao, Pinghe Li, Tanzhong Township
Highlights: First 500 visitors each day receive a rice tasting coupon; various children’s games with prizes; free tastings of leafy chicken and salted vegetable duck; scarecrow maze – family activities with gifts of peace rice and local agricultural product exhibitions.
Shuttle Bus Info: On December 19 and 20, buses depart from the train station at around 8:00 AM, running roughly every half hour until approximately 4:00 PM on the 19th and 2:00 PM on the 20th.
Organizer: Tanzhong Township Farmers' Association