Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
It is official; the first day of autumn has come and gone, and fall is officially here! While we all still await the much-anticipated “sweater weather” that is surely to come, it is time to break out the creativity and start brainstorming scarecrow designs!
For those of you in the community who don't know, it is time once again for the Annual Scarecrow Extravaganza! Each year, businesses, individuals, organizations and other groups are invited to participate in a scarecrow contest celebrating the start to a great autumn season! This year will be the fifth year the contest has taken place, but the guidelines are still the same!
Each year, residents in the community as well as local businesses all gather up their crafting skills and create their best rendition of a scarecrow. Each scarecrow is placed out on the property or business front, where it can be seen by passersby, and at the end of the month, a panel of judges will determine which is the most impressive.
As with any fun, there are a few rules to abide by, for anyone wishing to join in the competition. No flammable or electricity items will be allowed to decorate your scarecrow. These pose a potential fire hazard we all wish to avoid as the weather dries up. Each scarecrow must be handmade, and ready for display no later than the first of October. All scarecrows must be removed by Nov. 1.
Please create your scarecrows in good taste, which means no bloody or violent themes, advertising, political or religious statements. All scarecrows must be able to withstand weather conditions.
For businesses: Scarecrows must be placed in front of or in the window of your business, either standing securely, or sitting in a chair.
For residents: Scarecrows must be in your yard or porch. For anyone wishing to request a downtown placement of their scarecrow, make the request known on your register sheet.
To register, fill out a register form and mail/bring to either Oh Happy Days Gifts, located at 315 N. Jefferson St, or The Monticello/Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, located at 420 W. Washington St.
The last day to register is Oct. 1, 2021. For any questions, contact Amy McDaniel at (850) 597-1107.