Festival & Scarecrow Viewing Dates: October 10th - October 31st, 2025
Scarecrow Exhibit Location: The Children’s Garden at Lakes Park
Registration and Scarecrow Name Due: September 25, 2025
Installation: Thursday October 9th, 3pm - 7pm and Friday, October 101h, 9am - 4pm. LPEF representatives will provide direction and assistance on installation days only.
VIP Judging: Friday, October 10th 5 - 6pm, winners will be notified & posted online & social media.
People’s Choice Voting: October 10th to October 30th (except Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays) winners will be notified October 31st and posted online and on social media.
Removal of Display: Saturday, November 1st or Sunday, November 2nd by noon.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PARK - PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Pick-up & Drop-off Location: Parking lot adjacent to the Children’s Garden.
“SCARECROWS IN THE PARK” CONTEST GUIDELINES AND RULES
· Open to everyone! Businesses, community groups, school/youth groups and individuals are all welcome to participate.
· All entries consist of a scarecrow figure attached firmly to a pole/post or pallet, design with the theme “The Wild, Wacky, Weird World of Scarecrows in the Park”. A minimal amount of additional décor may be added within the designated space but NO backdrop or screening around the display. No political messages! Your entry must be brought to the park assembled and ready for display.
· Scarecrows must be in good taste and constructed to withstand nearly 3 weeks of various weather conditions. It is MANDATORY that all scarecrows and props are secured by stakes and wires. Builders must periodically check their display throughout the duration of the festival. Solar or battery-operated lighting may be used to enhance your display during evening hours.
· All entries will receive an assigned 5’ x 5’ space. Signage identifying the builders and the name of your display/scarecrow will be provided by the Foundation. For youth groups, both the name of the sponsor and the youth group will be posted on the signage.
· NO ELECTRICITY IS AVAILABLE, and no tiki torches or gas-powered generators are allowed. Use of elements (sun/wind) can be implemented. NO LIVE PLANTS, FRESH PUMPKINS OR MULCH IN DISPLAY.
· NO HANDOUTS or POLITICAL MESSAGES OF ANY KIND at the scarecrow display or in person.
· VIP Judges will select their favorite displays opening night in a “secret shopper” style. Signage announcing the VIP winners will be displayed throughout the event.
· People’s Choice Winners are determined by the highest number of votes from October 10th -
October 30th. Winners will be notified and posted on the LPEF website and social media. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded to the top three with the most votes.
· LPEF and Lee County Parks & Recreation are not responsible for loss or damage to the scarecrows during the festival.
· Entrants give LPEF the right to use photographs, scarecrows and contact names in publicity
And on their website: www.lakespark.org
· LPEF reserves the right to reject and deny any display deemed to be inappropriate.
PARKING:
Special Rate parking for the convenience of attendees facilitated by Sunrise Rotary on Thursday and
Friday evenings, Saturdays & Sundays. Regular meter or parking stickers are required other times.
