By Claire Sachse
Claire.Sachse@tryondailybulletin.com

The winners of Landrum’s annual scarecrow contest were announced Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the monthly meeting of the Landrum Area Business Association.

The Hospice Thrift Barn came in first with their pirate scarecrow surrounded by his “booty.” Miss Yummy at Southern Delights took second place. Landrum Antiques and Furniture took third place. In the school category, the Senior Beta Club at Landrum High came in first. There were 30 businesses and six school entrants in the contest. According to Ellen Henderson, LABA vice president, there were 675 ballots cast, and 14 more entrants this year than in 2013.

LABA also discussed plans for the Light Up Landrum holiday event, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29 starting at 5 p.m. at the depot. Children can get their pictures taken with Santa, and carolers will be singing holiday songs. The Lions Club will announce the Citizen of the Year.

On Thursday, Dec. 4 the Landrum Fire Department will host and be the staging area for the annual Christmas Parade. Lineup will start at 4 p.m., and the parade will roll at 5 p.m. from the depot and end at Landrum Middle School. Entrants are asked to contact the fire department for an entry form.

Molly Dunn, president of LABA, informed the meeting that unless volunteers step up for the officer positions by the Dec. 2 meeting, LABA will be forced to dissolve. She said that if LABA dissolves there will be no Easter event, scarecrow competition or Christmas Stroll.

LABA members also discussed public bathrooms and pedestrian safety. Landrum Mayor Bob Briggs reported that the city is investigating the feasibility of constructing public bathrooms to the east side of City Hall. Briggs has instructed Caitlin Martin Cothran, city administrator, to seek bids.

Several members expressed concern that drivers were traveling too fast through downtown, and that they feared for pedestrian safety on E. Rutherford Street at the crosswalks. The group will ask the Landrum Police Department to place their portable speed radar sign at CVS in an effort to slow traffic through town. The group also asks the public to allow pedestrians to cross in a timely and safe manner at the crosswalks.

Cothran reported that she has spoken with business owners who have changed their hours so as to be open on Mondays and Tuesdays to accommodate the increase in shoppers from the Tryon International Equestrian Resort.