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Rules and Guidelines
Anyone can register. Families, community groups, small businesses, and individuals are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in both the Adult and Youth divisions.
Judging will be done by a panel of “experts” with winners (except People’s Choice) to be posted by October 11th. Voting for the People’s Choice winner will be done throughout the exhibit and the winner announced at Jazz in the Gardens on October 25th.
Each scarecrow entry must be accompanied by a $25 entry fee that will entitle each entrant to one free park entrance (for one vehicle and up to 8 people) to Maclay Gardens State Park during the scarecrow display period, October 3 – November 1, and a $25 credit toward a ticket to Jazz in the Gardens on October 25th, from 5 to 9 PM.
Scarecrows must be brought to the Gardens, by appointment (Call 487-4115), on October 1st or 2nd, between 9AM and 7 PM, for set up. Each entrant is responsible for installation of their scarecrow(s). No weekend setups are allowed. The Gardens will provide a metal mounting post (re-bar) and designate a location for each scarecrow, which should be assembled prior to delivery to the park. Exhibits may not exceed 10’x10’X10’.
Companies may include their logos as long as done tastefully. Please no overly “commercial” displays.
Scarecrows must be in good taste and not reflect controversial, social, or political situations. Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand weather conditions. The Gardens reserves the right to refuse any scarecrow entry, or remove any that deteriorate and become unsightly. No handouts, promotional materials, or free giveaways can be associated with any entry. No live plants or mulch may be used in any displays.
The Gardens will provide a standard sized sign for each entrant to give the Name of the Scarecrow entry and the company or individual who created it. If you want your company logo to be included on the sign, please supply that along with your registration.
Entrants may pick up scarecrows on November 2, 2009 or The Gardens will dispose of all scarecrows after November 2, 2009, unless other arrangements have been made.
The Gardens is not responsible for loss or damage to scarecrows at any time.
The Gardens reserves the right to use photographs of scarecrows for publicity.
TIPS FOR MAKING SCARECROWS (more at www.makescarecrows.com)
Scarecrows will be subject to the weather for a month so need to be constructed with weather-resistant materials. Clothing that does not fade easily, such as nylon and polyester, holds up better than cotton.
Scarecrows may be either freestanding or built around a PVC form (Secure all joints with PVC cement) to fit over a metal stake provided by the Gardens. A suggested size is 6 feet high with 2 feet wide shoulders. Construct scarecrows completely before bringing to the Gardens.
Stuffing can be anything but newspapers or water-soluble peanuts, which will not hold up to weather. Newspaper can be placed inside plastic bags for stuffing and plastic soda bottles make great arms and legs. Use duct tape!
Facial expression is the first thing viewers will notice. Use a milk or bleach jug, clay pot, ball, gourd, pillowcase, or burlap bag (painted or sewed on face). Ideas for hair: yarn, shredded plastic, moss, raffia, or old mop head.
Clothes are usually FREE--or nearly so. Check thrift stores for colorful and cheap clothing and accessories. Remember the details--a glittering pair of high-heeled shoes, for example, will make all the difference.
These ‘crows stay out in the Garden so make sure everything is secure. Sewing is best, but large safety pins or staples will work well.
Do not use latex gloves, as they quickly disintegrate outdoors.
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