What are Nancy Drew, The Cat in the Hat, and Winnie the Pooh doing hanging out on Main street? They are waiting to be judged in the eighth annual scarecrow contest sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School.

This year’s contest has a literary theme, with characters from Where the Wild Things Are, Charlotte’s Web, The Wizard of Oz and other children’s classics braving the winds and weather this week.

Businesses all over the Island have contributed to the school’s art department, and in return they get a one-of-a-kind scarecrow, custom made by students, families and supporters at the charter school. Island residents and visitors have come to look forward to this yearly showcase, spotting scarecrows all over the Vineyard; this year there is an especially strong showing in Edgartown.

The contest culminates in a party at the agricultural hall where prizes are awarded, including big gift certificates from Edgartown Books and The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore.