Scarecrows

“Scarecrows Go to the Movies” will be the theme for the October 2022 event. Start dreaming up your scarecrow now and watch for more info to be posted on lakespark.org in the coming months. Questions? Or want an early announcement, contact us at info@lakespark.org.

2021 Scarecrows in the Park Winners Announced

A fun, well-attended Fall Festival in Lakes Regional Park concluded on October 31, 2021 with the announcement of all the Scarecrow winners. This year’s theme was a “Favorite Book Character”.

There were 21 colorful scarecrows lining the trail in the Children’s Garden from October 15-31, 2021. Over the two weeks, the visitors to the event voted on the People’s Choice (aka Best of Show) winners and they chose “Medusa” created by The O’Hern Family, “Peter Parker” built by Scout Troop 82 and “Jack Skellingcrow” created by The Castellano’s as their favorites.

Winners received “A Party in the Park” which included use of a park pavilion for their party, free parking for their guests, a $100 gift certificate from WheelFun for bike or boat rental or to use at the Whistle Stop concession for treats, plus passes to ride the train.

On opening night, October 15, the VIP Judges, Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann; Lee County Parks & Recreation Director Jesse Levander; and ABC7-TV reporter Rachel Anderson chose their winners. The winning scarecrows were decorated with a blue ribbon and the builders interviewed on ABC7-TV’s morning new show a few days later. VIP judges named as their winners “Waldo” built by Lehigh Regional Medical Center; “Medusa” created by The O’Hern Family and “Wild Thing” built by Harns Marsh Elementary School and sponsored by doma Title Insurance.

Proceeds from this event are utilized by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, in partnership with Lee County Parks & Recreation, to enrich Lakes Park and add to the community’s enjoyment of this natural resource. Current projects funded by this event and others are improvements to the Botanic, Community and Children’s Gardens and enhancements to the Lakes Park summer camp experience.

NEXT YEAR: Interested in participating in the 2022 Scarecrows in the Park? Please let us know by indicating your interest at info@lakespark.org. Additional information will be available in August. Next year’s theme: “Going to the Movies”.

KEY DATES & DETAILS

Festival Dates: October 15th – October 31st, 2021
Scarecrow Exhibit Location: The Children’s Garden at Lakes Park

Registration and Scarecrow Name Due: September 30, 2021
Installation: Thursday October 14th, 4-7 pm and Friday, October 15th, 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 15th, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Removal of Display: Sunday, October 31 after 3 pm or Monday, Nov. 1, 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 Book 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 3’ wide x 3’ deep space. 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.