Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is inviting local businesses, organizations, elementary and middle schools and community members to participate in its sixth annual “Scarecrows in the Park” contest by fashioning unique, personalized scarecrows. The custom-made scarecrows will be on display at Lee County’s Lakes Regional Park during the Fall and Halloween Festival, Oct. 16-31. In addition to the “Scarecrows in the Park” contest, the festival will feature a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, the Halloween Express train, and other activities for the community to enjoy.
The “Scarecrows in the Park” festivities will begin on opening night, Oct. 16, with a kick-off party for the participants. Celebrity judges will select the winning scarecrow displays, and awards will be posted on winning displays throughout the event. The public will also view and vote for their favorites from Oct. 16 through Oct. 26. The winners chosen by the public will be acknowledged and awarded prizes during the following days of the festival. Volunteer opportunities are available by contacting lakesvolunteers@leegov.com.
“This event provides local businesses, organizations and community members with a low-cost promotional opportunity while enjoying creating a personalized display that is humorous or that reflects the theme of a business or service and includes company signage,” said Bettie Zima, chairperson for the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. “This is a great team building project and is a fun way for schools, youth groups and families to celebrate the fall season while supporting Lakes Park. We anticipate a competitive contest this year, so we encourage the community to get updated on all of the information now and start working on their project.”
More than 115,000 people attended the 2014 festival and Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation anticipates a larger turnout for this year’s event. The donation/entry fee is $250 and all proceeds benefit the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, or donate $300 to sponsor a youth group entry, and $50 will go to supplies for that group. Nonprofit organizations can register for $150. Scarecrow registration forms are available at www.LakesParkEnrichmentFoundation.org/events.php. The deadline for registration is Sept. 30 and scarecrow names are due Oct. 1. School or youth groups that would like to participate should contact Bettie Zima at scarecrows@lakespark.org.
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