2022 Scarecrows in the Park!

Movie character scarecrows will fill the Children’s Garden Oct. 14 – 30 bringing delight once again to children and adults from 2 to 80 years old! Everyone is invited to participate – companies, schools, families. The entry fee is modest and goes to enhancements for Lakes Park.

This is a contest with prizes for the winners. The theme this year is a movie character—Marilyn Monroe with a billowing skirt, Dracula, a favorite Disney character, Space Age heroes? Who would you like to showcase? A single figure mounted securely on a pole; creativity encouraged!

This is a part of the big Lakes Park Fall Festival October 14-30 sponsored by Lee County Parks and Recreation.

KEY DATES & DETAILS

Festival Dates: October 14th – October 30st, 2022
Scarecrow Exhibit Location: The Children’s Garden at Lakes Park

Registration and Scarecrow Name Due: September 30, 2022
Installation: Thursday October 13th, 3-7 pm and Friday, October 14th, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. LPEF representatives will provide direction and assistance on installation days only. WEEKEND DROP- OFF IS NOT PERMITTED!
VIP Judging – Friday, October 14th, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Removal of Display: Sunday, October 30 after 3 pm or Monday, Oct. 31, 7 am – 1 pm.
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, scout/youth groups and individuals are all welcome to participate.

All entries to consist of a single scarecrow figure attached firmly to a pole or post, dressed as a “Favorite Movie Character”. Your entry must be brought to the park fully assembled – there will be no on-site assembly.

Scarecrows must be in good taste and constructed to withstand nearly 3 weeks of weather. It is MANDATORY that all scarecrows and props are secured by stakes and wire. Builders must periodically check their display throughout the duration of the festival.
All entries will receive a 5’ by 5’ deep space. A minimal amount of additional décor may be added within the designated space but NO backdrop or screening. Signage identifying your organization and the name of your display/scarecrow will be provided. For youth groups, both the name of the sponsor and the youth group will be recognized.

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 OF ANY KIND at the scarecrow display or in person.

Celebrity judges select their favorite displays opening night in a “secret shopper” style. Ribbons will be placed on winning entries and displayed throughout the event.
People’s Choice Awards are determined by attendee votes throughout the event and will be identified on www.lakespark.org and in media releases.

LPEF and Lee County Parks & Recreation are not responsible for loss or damage to the scarecrows during the festival or in the drop-off and pick-up area.
Entrants give LPEF the right to use photographs, scarecrows and contact names in publicity and on their website: www.LakesPark.org.

PARKING

Special Rate parking for the convenience of attendees facilitated by Sunrise Rotary on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Regular meter parking required Monday through Thursday.