Scarecrows Downtown this Fall

Making your scarecrow:

Themes: Use your imagination to select a theme for your scarecrow. The scarecrow contest is family friendly. Scarecrows should be whimsical, humorous, mischievous, traditional, or lovable – NOT frightening. Monsters, gruesome, bloody or especially scary entries will be disqualified. All scarecrows must be in good taste and not reflect controversial, social or political situations and appropriate for viewing by the public.  Any scarecrow deemed inappropriate or in bad taste by Main Street or the business you are partnered with will not be displayed. 

Ideas: Typical Farm & Garden Scarecrow made from cast-off clothing, burlap, gunny sacks, jeans, overalls, straw hats, bonnets, corn shocks, raffia straw, etc.  Whimsical, Fairytale, Humorous, Fantasy, Celebrity, etc.  Design depicting your favorite fairytale, storybook, animal, or fantasy figure.  Make a themed scarecrow around your business to promote yourself!  School themed scarecrows supporting sports, band, majors, concentrations or just school spirit are great for students or parents.    

Construction:  All entries must be hand-made. Scarecrows must be durable and able to stand up to sun, wind, and rain showers. If you choose to use fresh vegetables or fruits (like pumpkins) they must be whole and not punctured or carved, to ensure they last through the duration of the contest. No commercial costumes, rubber masks, etc. will be allowed. In case of scarecrows/parts of scarecrow becoming lost or damaged do not put anything on the scarecrow that is highly valued or of great importance.  All parts of the scarecrow should be securely fastened.  You assume all responsibility for your scarecrow and its pieces.  We reserve the right to remove any entries that do not maintain their ability to be displayed.  Make them bright and use interesting materials. Minimum height is four feet and maximum height is six feet. Plan to visit your scarecrow throughout the month to make sure it is in good presentable condition. 

Each Scarecrow will be numbered and have the name of the artist (or business/group) on a place card attached to the scarecrow for voting purposes.

People’s Choice – A QR Code will be placed on each scarecrow, allowing individuals to vote for their favorite through the online link to enter to win $25!  We will announce the top three winners of the people’s choice.

Judge’s Choice – 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, 3rd place $50.  Judges chosen by Main Street Murfreesboro will be from outside of Rutherford County.  Monetary prizes given to artists from Main Street Murfreesboro after announcements made on October 31.  Judging based on creativity, use of recycled materials, and theme. Judging will take place during the second week of October.

Registration submitted: Applications need to be submitted by Monday, September 16.  When registration is received, we will email you the location where you will be placed. 

Scarecrow delivered to assigned location: Week of October 1. 

Scarecrow winners revealed: Thursday, October 31st,  winner’s picture will be posted on Main Street’s social media.  Winners will be notified by e-mail. 

Scarecrow pick-up:  Scarecrows must be picked up between November 1-3. 

Contest Sponsored by the nonprofit:  Main Street Murfreesboro  www.mainstreetmurfreesboro.org