Rules are as follows: Contest is open to individuals, businesses, organizations and clubs. There is no fee for entry. Please read the following rules before completing your entry. Have fun!
Contest Date: October 1st – October 31st.
Delivery of Entries: Entrants are responsible for bringing their fully assembled scarecrow to their desired location on Main Street, Downtown Eaton Rapids. All entries must be completed and installed by 8:00 pm, October 1st, 2023.
Materials: As all scarecrow entries will remain on display outside, from October 1st – October 31st. and may be subjected to severe wind and rain. Their construction should be durable, and all ornamentation securely attached. No perishable goods should be used in the construction or display. ER Arts Council reserves the right to refuse/remove any scarecrow that does not hold up to natural elements. NO GLASS!
Size Limitation: Minimum height of 4 feet, Maximum height of 8 feet. Maximum circumference area is 4 feet. Your exhibit may include more than one figure, but not more than four.
Display: Scarecrows will be displayed in downtown Eaton Rapids – attached to either trees or light poles. Individuals will be responsible for securing their scarecrow to a lamp post or tree on Main Street. Only zip ties, rope or light wire will be allowed to be used to secure scarecrows. Nails, screws or adhesives are not permitted. Display location of scarecrows will be determined by first come first serve basis. Scarecrow entry sponsors are required to monitor the state of their scarecrow for the duration of the exhibit. Scarecrows must be in good taste and appropriate for viewing by all. Must be absent of adult, political and religious themes. No frightening, scary, violent, gruesome or bloody entries will be accepted. Commercial pre-made costumes, rubber masks, plastic masks etc., are discouraged. Be sure to make a sign with the title of your entry, omit the name of your organization. Your sign should be no larger than 11×17 inches. All scarecrows must have a visible number which will be assigned during online registration.
Armature: Each scarecrow must have a horizontal support of wood for the body (2×4 post preferred.) This support is needed as each scarecrow will be secured to a light post or tree for display.
Judging: Judging will take place on the Eaton Rapids Arts Council Facebook Page! Photos of the entries will be uploaded the Facebook page on Friday, October 6th. Voting will be open October 6th – October 27th at 12:00PM (noon).To Vote, find the picture of your favorite scarecrow entry and give it a like! The scarecrow with the most likes/reactions WINS!
Special Note: Neither the City of Eaton Rapids nor their agents will be held responsible for any injury or damage associated with the 2023 Scarecrow Contest. It is understood that the City of Eaton Rapids and its agents may use photographs of stories about, and the actual scarecrow entries themselves as well as all information contained on the entry form for publicity and promotion on the event. Scarecrows may be reclaimed by their creator(s) between November 1st and November 5th, 2023. All scarecrows not reclaimed by November 6th, 2023, will be removed and discarded at the owner’s expense.
