Help celebrate fall in Homer this year with our inaugural scarecrow contest!

Registration is open to everyone—enter as an individual, family, business, or group. There are currently no specific themes or categories, so let your imagination run wild!

How to Enter & Registration

Entry Fee: $10 per scarecrow
Deadline: Register online by October 17th, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Noon)
Multiple Entries: You are welcome to register more than one scarecrow! (Each entry requires a separate registration)

Contest Rules & Guidelines

One Scarecrow Per Entry: Each entry covers one scarecrow display.
Family-Friendly: Scarecrows must NOT display any derogatory words, symbols, profanity, vulgarity, or nudity.
Branding: Entries may display business, family, team, or group names, or they can be submitted anonymously.
Review Process: All scarecrows will be reviewed prior to display to ensure compliance with event rules.

Display Location & Key Dates

All scarecrows will be displayed on the front and side lawns of the Center for the Arts.

Drop-off & Assembly: Bring your completed scarecrow (or materials to assemble on-site) to the Center by 12:00 PM on October 17th.
Exhibition Period: Displayed from October 17th/18th through November 5th.
Community Voting: QR code voting opens October 20th and closes October 31st at midnight.
Winners Announced: Friday, November 6th.
Pickup & Removal: Scarecrows must be removed by November 1st (Rain date: November 2nd). Please indicate on your registration whether you plan to pick up your scarecrow or if you prefer volunteers to dismantle and dispose of it.

Outdoor Durability Requirements

Volunteers will arrange all scarecrows for display in sitting or standing positions attached to metal stakes.

Weather Proofing: Ensure your scarecrow can withstand outdoor weather, including rain and high winds.
Accessories: All accessories must be securely attached and weather-resistant. No electronic accessories are permitted.
Disclaimer: The Center for the Arts is not liable for damaged or stolen items.

Prizes & Categories

In addition to absolute bragging rights for the next 363 days, prizes will be awarded in two tracks:

1. Local Judging Panel

1st Place: $100 + photo in the Homer News
2nd Place: $50 + photo in the Homer News
3rd Place: Free pizza from Nicky C’s + photo in the Homer News

2. People’s Choice (Online Voting)

Overall Winner: $50

Ideas & Tips for Building Your Scarecrow

Heads: You don’t need to use a pumpkin—burlap bags make an excellent, durable alternative!
Stuffing: Straw or leaves are highly recommended. Avoid using newspapers, as they get wet, moldy, and distort in shape quickly.