A Philadelphia Phanatic scarecrow was displayed at Smithville Park during the contest last year.
Registration for the annual Burlington County scarecrow contest is now open. The county commissioners and its parks system are seeking individual artists, families, clubs, groups and service organizations to enter the fall competition to create the county’s best scarecrow.
Scarecrows will be on display beginning on Monday, Oct. 7, at Smithville Park. Visitors will be able to vote online for their favorites. Winners will be announced during the parks system’s Autumn Lands festival at the park on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m.
Registration deadline for the contest is due by Friday, Sept. 27 online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2107/Scarecrow-Contest.
The contest is open to all ages. Scarecrows should be family-friendly and tasteful. Humorous, whimsical and spooky scarecrows are welcome, but political statements are not permitted. The parks system has the right to disqualify any entries deemed not appropriate or that violate contest rules.
Typical scarecrows begin with a 2×4-foot piece of lumber for the body and a dowel rod or broomstick for arms. They should not exceed 7 feet and props should not extend more than 3 feet on either side.
Completed scarecrows will be mounted on light standards in the park and should be made to withstand sun, wind and rain. Each scarecrow should also have a sign identifying an entry’s name, group, business or club.
