Scarecrow Design Contest

Schedule - 2026 details coming soon!

: Registration. After registration we will email you with the location for pick up of materials, which include 5ft PVC pipe , burlap bag for head, zip ties, black markers and burlap strings. You will have about a week for designing and putting together your scarecrow.

: Drop off your scarecrows to be displayed downtown.

: Winners are announced! Winners will receive gift cards to local businesses.

: HALLOWEEN - Take picturess with your creations!

: Pick up your Scarecrows.

: Any Scarecrow left on this date will be discarded

Do and Don’ts

• Scarecrows on Main Street is a family-friendly show. All entries must be family friendly. Highland Park Arts Commission reserves the right to refuse any scarecrow entry that we feel may be offensive to the general public.

• Each group or individual may enter only one scarecrow

• When you drop off your creations we will take them and install them on Main Street.

• Your scarecrow must be weather-resistant and sturdy in order to qualify for displaying and judging. We strongly encourage entrants to visit their scarecrows on Main Street for periodic check-ins. During the time that your entry is on display, you may make any necessary repairs to keep your scarecrow looking its very best. Highland Park Arts Commission reserves the right to remove any scarecrows that deteriorate due to weather.

• No perishable goods may be used in the construction of your scarecrow, including pumpkins, squash and other plants.

• Scarecrow entries that are removed from Main Street by the entrant prior to the close of the display will forfeit eligibility to win prizes.

• Highland Park Arts Commission has final approval based on votes from commission, overall appearance/composition of the design, originality/imagination/use of materials, difficulty of design/design execution, and “fit” in category.

• Highland Park, Highland Park Arts Commission and Main Street is not responsible for any scarecrows on display.

TIPS
– A strong idea is key. Sometimes the best entries are the simplest, yet most recognizable.
– Craftsmanship can make or break the overall look of a project.
– Stuff with straw or anything that can sustain the weather for 3 weeks.
– Weatherproofing: Your scarecrows will have prolonged exposure to all kinds of weather. Make sure to seal porous materials, such as papier-mâché, with a water-repellent spray (3M or Scotchguard)

PAST WORK