Scarecrows visit Downtown Murfreesboro

in Stories, News, Entertainment, Murfreesboro, Main Street Members

The fall air brings special guests to the historic downtown Murfreesboro. But they won't be here for long!

Main Street Murfreesboro organized the fourth annual event, "Scarecrows Downtown," with 36 participants in October. Participants ranged from the downtown postman, "Pat," to local nonprofit groups, including Journeys In Community Living (pictured).

For those competitive creatives the challenge to make the best scarecrow is not taken lightly.

"I started this event when I learned about other Main Street programs hosting scarecrows in their downtown areas to attract people to walk around and admire the creative displays. It adds to our sense of community, and you can't help but smile when you see all the interesting scarecrows hanging around the sidewalks," said Sarah Callender, Executive Director of Main Street Murfreesboro.

Some groups participate each year, such as the Rutherford Arts Alliance and several local small businesses. "The businesses that create a scarecrow do it to win!" Sarah said, "There are three businesses on the square that plan out their scarecrow designs months in advance. There is a bit of competition when it comes to judging these scarecrows."

Boys and Girls Club board participates with students in designing and making their group's scarecrow this year.

The Boys and Girls Club learned about the scarecrow opportunity downtown and decided to get everyone involved!

"We held a contest for the club members to design a scarecrow. The top three designs were posted on our socials for the community to vote. The winning design was built with the help of the Club and Executive Board members working together," shared Michelle Clifford, Director of Marketing and Special Events.

The B&G Club scarecrow is set up outside Smith Wright Law at 107 North Maple Street. Sonya Wright is a board member. Board members and club families have been encouraged to go by and see the scarecrow. A contest was held for those who posted a picture of the scarecrow and tagged the Boys and Girls Club for a chance to win Hattie Janes ice cream downtown!

See the fun pictures from the Boys and Girls Club here

Come downtown in October and vote for your favorite scarecrow!

You can vote for your favorite scarecrow in person when you walk around downtown. Each scarecrow has a QR code attached to access their voting link. MTSU Art and Design faculty and students volunteered to judge this year's scarecrows. We had six anonymous judges score the scarecrows on their creativity and theme. Winners will be announced Thursday, October 31 on Main Street Murfreesboro's social media platforms. The People's Choice Award (voted on with the QR codes) wins $25, and each voter enters to win $25 too.

Judge's choice: 1st place wins $100, 2nd place wins $75, and 3rd place wins $50.

Main Street Murfreesboro wants to thank all of the organizations and individuals who participated this year by creating a scarecrow!

For a list of scarecrows and locations go HERE.