Download Scarecrow Contest Info:
[How to build a Scarecrow] [Scarecrow Entry Form]  

Round up your supplies and enter the Southern Fried Festival Scarecrow Contest! Grab Uncle Jake’s old straw hat, Grandma’s old dress… even the dog’s bandana… whatever it takes to make your scarecrow special. Traditional or unique, make your scarecrow the best in town. Scarecrows are a part of our folklore. From earliest times, people have been creating scary creatures in their own images to protect their crops and gardens.

Here is your chance to create a scarecrow and compete for prizes, at the same time displaying your talents while delighting passersby at the Southern Fried Festival in downtown Columbia, September 24 & 25. Your creative talents will be appreciated and recognized.


PRIZES:
First $100, Second $75, Third $50


REGISTRATION:
Complete the Entry Form and mail or fax (931-375-4119) to:

Maury County CVB
8 Public Square
Columbia, TN 38401

Entry Forms must be received by 4:00 pm, September 22, 2010.

CONSTRUCTION:
The basic scarecrow structure should be built based on the directions included with this information. The scarecrow entries will be strapped to the light poles around downtown. The height of each scarecrow should not exceed seven feet, nor should it be less than five feet. Rubber, plastic or store bought masks are not allowed. Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand weather conditions.

SETUP:
Scarecrows should be set up by contestants between 10:30 am and 11:30 am on Friday, September 24. Check in will be on the west side of the Maury County Courthouse. You will be assigned a number and a location for your scarecrow.

JUDGING:
Judging will occur on Friday September 24 at 1:00 pm by a panel of three judges.
Please check back at 3:00 pm to find out if your scarecrow won.

PICKUP:
Scarecrows should be picked up anytime after 9:00 pm Saturday, September 25 and before 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 26.

INFORMATION & RULES:

• Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, design, color and durability.
• The contest will take place in downtown Columbia as a part of the Southern Fried Festival on September 24 & 25.
• The scarecrows will be on display during the entire festival.
• Each entrant is responsible for setting up, maintaining and removing their scarecrow.
• Scarecrows must be original creations and in good taste and not too scary. Remember that this is a family oriented festival. Purchased scarecrows and those that reflect controversial social or political situations will not be accepted.
• Organizers are not responsible for any loss or damage to entries.
• Decisions of the judges will be final.
• Organizers reserve the right to use photographs of the scarecrows for future publicity.
• No hand-outs, promotional materials or free giveaways can be associated with a scarecrow entry.

For questions, call 931-381-7176.