Town to sponsor Scarecrow Contest

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Envision Williamston

The Town of Williamston in conjunction with the Envision Williamston program invites all area residents and businesses to participate in the town’s first annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest. Scarecrows will be on display throughout the town during October and mid November and awards will be given for a number of categories.

“The displays will make the town a festive fall venue,” said Envision Williamston Design Committee Chair and organizer Debbie Chapman.

Participating businesses can use lamp posts or areas in front of their storefront to display their scarecrows. Remaining lamp posts along Main Street will be available for individuals and/or other groups to use. Property owners along the main arteries of town are also invited to create a scarecrow for their yard or allow other individuals, groups, clubs or businesses to display their creativity.

Registration deadline is October 16 to be eligible for judging. Entry forms must be completed to have a scarecrow judged for the contest. There is no entry fee.

Prizes will include first, second and third in four categories including: Peoples Choice, Most Creative, Most Whimsical and Most Unique.

Chapman gave the following tips to select a theme for a scarecrow:

“Traditional scarecrows are made of old clothing, burlap, gunny sacks, straw hats, aprons, bonnets, cornstalks, raffia, straw, etc. We recommend that you use items that aren’t sentimental as the scarecrows will not be returned.”

Plastic 2-liter drink bottles also make a good body and are recyclable, Chapman said. “Whether you choose traditional, contemporary or humoorous approach is up to you. Your scarecrow can be whimsical, frightening, funny or sad.”

Chapman said, “Let your imagination run wild but please keep your creation in good taste as these will be publicly displayed.”

Other guidelines include:

Use of bright colors, unique materials and solar powered lighting is encouraged.

Scarecrows must be durable and able to stand up to sun, wind, and rain. All decorations must be firmly attached to the scarecrow.

Scarecrows may be attached to light posts and other objects around town or on a stand using a 2×4 for the body and a broomstick as arms. Items may be added after a scarecrow has been placed in its display area.

All entries must be handmade and can include a sign up to 11×17.

No advertising or political statements are allowed.

Vulgar or inappropriate messages as well as scary, grusome or bloody scarecrows are prohibited.

The Scarecrow Contest is intented to be family friendly and fun, organizers said. Envision Williamston reserved the right to disualify any entry they feel to be distasteful or not family friendly.

Minimum six is 4 ft. tall. Maximum hieght is 7 ft. Scarecrows and props on sidewalks or lampposts must fit ina 5×5 area. Those on private property may be larger but must be preapproved to be judged.

Entry forms are available at Town Hall, Something Unique flowers or online at www.williamstonsc.us.

Entry forms will be accepted through Oct. 16.