Scarecrow Competition

Sponsored by Money Smarts, the Crete Pumpkin Festival Scarecrow Competition is free to participate in and is open to all ages, individuals and families, organizations, clubs, and businesses.

To enter, please fill out the Registration Form and return it to the Chamber of Commerce by September 25.

Contest Rules:

  • Scarecrow must be durable and able to stand up to sun, wind and rain.
  • The minimum height is 4 feet tall, maximum height is 7 feet tall.
  • Scarecrows and props must fit in a 4×4 foot area.
  • All decorations must be firmly attached to your scarecrow. You will need to bring twine or zip ties to attach your Scarecrow to the light pole (NO bare wire).
  • Day of the festival you can bring additional props such as straw bales, corn shucks, chairs, etc. You are welcome to visit your Scarecrow and keep it in good presentable condition.
  • We reserve the right to remove any entries that do not maintain their ability to be displayed.
  • All entries must be handmade. No commercial costumes, rubber masks, plastic masks, etc. will be allowed. Electricity will not be provided. Only solar or wind power for moving parts may be used.
  • As part of your display, be sure to make a sign with: the name of your entry, your name, group, or business name. The sign should be no larger than 11” x 17“.
  • No advertising or political statements are allowed.
  • The Scarecrow Contest exhibit area is family friendly. Scarecrows should be whimsical, humorous, mischievous or lovable – NOT frightening. Scary monsters, gruesome or bloody entries will be disqualified and removed. The Crete Chamber of Commerce and Pumpkin Festival Committee reserve the right to disqualify entries they feel to be distasteful or not family friendly.
  • Scarecrow setup is the week of September 28th
  • All entries must be in place by Saturday, October 3rd at 12pm. Entries must be removed by Saturday, October 10th.
  • Entries not removed will become property of the Crete Chamber of Commerce and disposed of accordingly.
  • Winners will receive Crete Cash which can be spent like cash at any local participating chamber business. Winners will be announced via social media, and via your entry application information.
  • Prize Money will be awarded as follows: 1st Place $150, 2nd Place $100, & 3rd Place $50.