Wakefield scarecrow named best dressed at awards night that never happened

A scarecrow in a paddock off Edward Street in Wakefield has been named Best Dressed at the Tasman Bay Rural Style Awards. The awards do not exist. Three councils have confirmed this.

Bevan the scarecrow was found on Sunday morning wearing a sash that read BEST DRESSED 2024 in gold iron-on lettering. He was also, as usual, wearing Stubbies.

Paddock owner Marlene Sutcliffe, 63, said she was baffled but chuffed. "Bevan's been out there four years and never won a thing. Not even a mention in the Leader. Now he's got a sash and I'd had three people stop for a photo before I'd finished my flat white from Kate at the Village Cafe. Kate reckons he deserves it!"

A neighbour, Doug Penberthy, said he'd seen "a couple of ladies in a Corolla" pull up around dusk on Saturday. "Thought they were lost. Everyone's lost out here. It's Wakefield."

Inquiries to the craft group at the hall were met with what one member called "a knowing silence and a second scone".

STATEMENT FROM TASMAN DISTRICT COUNCIL

Council is aware of community interest regarding an unsanctioned awards presentation at a private property in the Wakefield area. Council wishes to clarify that no such event has been organised, endorsed, or funded by Council.

While the community spirit reflected in the gesture is noted, the placement of sashes on privately owned agricultural figures sits outside Council's current regulatory framework. This matter may be reviewed at a future date, to be confirmed.

Council is aware of community concerns and appreciates the patience of residents as these matters are worked through. Any further unauthorised ceremonies should be reported through the appropriate channels, once those channels have been established.

Council thanks the community for its ongoing engagement.