INVITATION: You are invited to submit a scarecrow for competition. Here is the chance for you, your class or youth group to create a scarecrow and compete for prizes, at the same time displaying your talents while delighting many youngsters and adults who visit The Pumpkin Farm. Your creative talents will be appreciated and recognized. Scarecrows are a part of our folklore. From earliest times, people have been creating scary creatures in their own images to protect their crops and gardens.

SUGGESTED THEMES: This is a task for your creative imagination. Successful entries usually have a clever recognizable character theme.

CONSTRUCTION: For best results, build your scarecrow around a sturdy wire or wood frame so that it can withstand possible rain or wind. Straw will be available at The Pumpkin Farm to complete stuffing. The name of the entrant may be advertised as part of the scarecrow display. Select and post a name for your scarecrow that characterizes and identifies its unique theme.

SET UP: Scarecrows need to be set up by contestants at The Pumpkin Farm between October 1st through 12th between 9 am and 6 pm. Metal T-posts and metal stakes will be provided for attaching scarecrows in the designated cordoned-off area along the hayride trail. Upon arrival, register your entry so that we have your name, address, and telephone number. Your entry will be assigned an official number that will be posted with your scarecrow. There is no registration fee.

JUDGING: Judging will start on October 13 by six or more members from public officials and representatives invited by The Pumpkin Farm, including teachers, City and/or County officials, students, and public at large. Judges will use a point system covering artistic quality, effort and expressed theme. Prizes will be awarded on the basis of points earned summed for all judges. The results of the contest (including prize money for winners) will be mailed to contestants by November 5, 2008.

PICKUP: Persons wishing to save their scarecrows should pick them up October 31 through November 5, 2008. Scarecrows not claimed during this time will be removed in the clean-up soon after the farm closes.