In the heart of Downtown Hilliard, something extraordinary is brewing this Halloween season. A captivating outdoor display featuring scarecrow characters like you've never seen before is set to grace the Main Street, and it's not just about spooks and thrills. This display, hosted by Kaela Rae Vance LPCCS, is a unique twist on the traditional scarecrow tradition, aiming to raise awareness about mental health in our community.
The Unconventional Scarecrow Therapy Session
As you stroll down Main Street this October, you'll come across a peculiar scene in front of the Chase Bank — a group therapy session like no other. Our characters, including a Countess Dracula, a ghost, a witch, and a skeleton gather for a group therapy session led by a scarecrow therapist. Each character has their own bubble with a phrase that reflects their emotional struggles.
Countess Dracula exclaims, "My love life bites!"
The ghost confesses, "I'm not the man I used to be."
The witch bewails, "I curse everything."
The skeleton somberly states, "I've got no body."
These eerie confessions may seem unusual for a Halloween display, but they serve as a powerful reminder of the very real struggles many people face with their mental health. By presenting these iconic figures in a vulnerable light, we hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations.
Inspiration for "Group Therapy: Spooky Scarecrow Sessions"
The inspiration for this display came from a popular cartoon from Bill Whitehead that circulates every Halloween season.
Bill Whitehead's cartooning journey began in school, leading to posters for book and record stores. He freelanced for renowned publications, including the Saturday Evening Post, Advertising Age, and more.
In the 1980s, he syndicated 'Sidelines,' a sports panel cartoon, and since the 1990s, he's crafted humor cards for Hallmark. For two decades, he contributed weekly editorial cartoons to the Kansas City Business Journal. His syndicated feature, 'Free Range,' distributed by Creators Syndicate, showcases his humor and artistic talent, leaving an enduring mark on the world of cartoons and comics.
A Community United for Mental Health
Kaela Vance, a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor, is no stranger to advocating for mental health. She has participated and been a sponsor of numerous community events throughout the year to help raise awareness - Scioto Township Fire Department Golf Outing, North market Apron Gala, and the City of Dublin July 4th Celebrations, just to name a few.
Our participation in the 2023 Hilliard Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Spooktacular is more than just a spooky spectacle. It's an opportunity to engage the community in meaningful dialogue about mental health, a topic often kept in the shadows. Businesses, organizations, schools, and public entities in Hilliard are coming together to enliven the area with imaginative scarecrows, and each one tells a unique story.
This Halloween season, she is also participating in the Destination Hilliard Halloween Haunt taking place in Old Hilliard on October 28, as well as the Hilliard Trunk or Treat held at the Hilliard YMCA on October 29.
For Kaela Rae Vance LPCSS, these events are a chance to take a stand for mental health awareness. We believe that by shedding light on the struggles individuals face, we can build a more empathetic and supportive community. Through our spooky scarecrow therapy session, we aim to spark conversations about mental health, provide resources, and let people know that they are not alone in their battles.
A Spooktacular Opportunity for Advocacy
The Hilliard Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Spooktacular offers a platform for local businesses and organizations to make a difference. Celebrity judges will evaluate the scarecrow displays during the week of October 23, and trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
While we would be thrilled about the possibility of receiving recognition for our creative and meaningful scarecrow therapy display, our ultimate goal is to raise awareness about mental health. We invite everyone in the community to come visit our display in front of the Chase Bank on Main Street, engage in discussions, and help us normalize conversations about mental health.
Join Us in Spreading Mental Health Awareness
As we prepare for the Scarecrow Spooktacular, we invite you to follow our journey on social media, share your thoughts, and join us in breaking the silence around mental health. Together, we can make a difference in our community, providing support, understanding, and hope to those who may be struggling.
This Halloween season, let's remember that behind the masks and the spooky façades, there are real people with real feelings. It's our mission to ensure that no one feels alone in their journey towards mental wellness. We hope to see you at the display, and together, let's bring mental health awareness to the forefront of Hilliard's Scarecrow Spooktacular.