Scarecrow Contests

The Scarecrow:

A Creative and Useful Harvest Figure

One of the earliest known written facts about the scarecrow appeared in 1592. It described this agricultural figure as something (or someone) capable of frightening trespassers without physically harming them. In some cases the intruders were crows or other hungry featured creatures.

The scarecrow has been used the world over to protect crops while farmers were elsewhere.  In Japan, for example, they were attached to tall wooden stakes and wore fish bones that moved in the wind.

Today’s scarecrow tends to be more whimsical, even with moving parts that clatter to shoo away animals looking for something to eat.

They are also featured at many harvest festivals. In some cases the scarecrow has become a featured contest. Here are four California contests that look quite promising:

• Valley Center: Scarecrow Contest October 8, 2016
  Bates Nut Farm15954 Woods Valley Rd. Valley Center, CA. $5 parking, free admission. 9 am – 5 pm. Bring scarecrow and completed registration form to the pumpkin patch. See details for more information: batesnutfarm.biz
• Auburn: Auburn Community Festival Scarecrow Contest October 15, 2016
  123 Recreation Dr, Auburn CA. 9:30 am – 4 pm. Details: auburnscommunityfestival.com
• Costa Mesa: Scarecrow Contest October 15-16, 2016
  2500 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA Two days of family fun at Goathill Junction, complete with a miniature train rides. Activities include pumpkin painting, food, and more. Details: http://www.seecalifornia.com/festivals/california-scarecrow-festivals-contests.html
• Brentwood: Scarecrows in the Park Contest October 17-21, 2016
  Brentwood City Park. 710 2nd Street. Brentwood, CA. Judging for this city contest takes place in October and the scarecrows are on view in Brentwood City Park. Registration and details: brentwoodca.gov

Scarecrow making is a perfect opportunity flex your creative muscles.  If you want some ideas to help you get started, click here to read about front yard scarecrows.