The City of Denton celebrated the artistic flair of its residents on October 29, when Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, together with City staff, recognized the talents on display at this year's Scary Chairy Orchard, as reported by the City of Denton’s official announcement. In a nod to the Halloween season, the organizers unveiled nine finalists and handed out four special awards, including the coveted Mayor’s Choice Award.
With community members of all walks putting forth their creative efforts, the Scary Chairy Orchard project stands as a testament to the celebrated DIY artistry that embraces both seasoned and amateur participants. On full display until Halloween night, the award-winning chairs and finalists turned the orchard into a menagerie of fears and fancies. Walking away with this year’s Mayor’s Choice Award was the piece “We’re All Mad Here,” a collaborative effort by Cat Avery, Amanda Robeson, Kobie Clark, Vanessa Ponce, and Sara Howard, featuring whimsical elements such as a dress and colorful flowers juxtaposed with the wide grin of a Cheshire Cat.
This year's Scary Chairy event was bolstered by Whataburger Restaurants LLC, which provided monetary support used to enhance Denton’s 31 Days of Halloween and held an arts and crafts table for visitors on Saturday mornings throughout October. “They’re Watching You” by Nancy Heber and Joan Ferrara won Best Individual Chair, distinguished by its colorful crocheted goblins with watchful eyeballs. "Derf the Dragon at Castle Moore," a chair transformed into a mythical castle scene, crafted by the Fred Moore High School Art Club, bagged the accolade for Best Group/Business Chair. The Heart of Denton 4H Club charmed its way to Most Creative Chair with "Granny’s Rotten Root Cellar," a piece combining clear jars with curiosities, reminiscent of a storybook horror, set atop a skeletal white chair.
