Presented by
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

October 2006
Information & Rules

Entry Fee is $20 per scarecrow location. Entry Forms must be received by September 22nd.
Click here for an entry form.

Set up will be at the Gardens between 9/25 and 9/30 from 9a.m.-5p.m. You must have an appointment time to set up your ‘crow – please call 793-3224 to make an appointment. Each scarecrow will be assigned a location and can be constructed over a six-foot tall PVC pipe form with a two-foot shoulder piece provided by the Gardens. The pipe fits over a metal stake to provide support. If you prefer, you may make your scarecrow free standing. A sign indicating the name and builder of the scarecrow will be provided and installed by the Gardens. All entries must be kept on display until Wednesday, November 1. Each entry is responsible for installing, maintaining, and taking down their scarecrow.

Scarecrows must be in good taste. Those that reflect controversial social or political situations will not be accepted. Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand weather conditions. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens reserves the right to remove any scarecrow that does not meet these standards as determined by the DABG. No handouts, promotional materials or free giveaways can be associated with any entry.

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is not responsible for any loss or damage to entries.

The judging will take place October 2. Decisions of the judges will be final

You are responsible for removal of your scarecrow from the Garden if you wish to keep it. Take down will be Wednesday, November 1 through Friday, November 10 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No appointment time is needed. Note: Any scarecrow left in the Garden on November 10 will be disposed of.

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens reserves the right to use photographs of the scarecrows for future publicity.

PRIZES: A $100 cash prize will be awarded for each category:

Most Original, Funniest, Scariest, Famous People or

Characters, & Movie or Song.

TIPS FOR

MAKING SCARECROWS

 

Scarecrows will be subject to the weather for a month so they need to be constructed sturdily and with weather-resistant materials. Clothing  that does not fade easily, such as nylon and polyester, hold up better than cotton.

 

Scarecrows may be either freestand-ing or built around a PVC form provided by Gardens.  The standard form is six feet high with two feet wide shoulders but can be built pretty much to your needs. 

 

Stuffing can be anything but news-papers or water-soluble peanuts will not work.  Plastic bags hold up for months.  Newspaper can be placed inside plastic bags for stuffing. Duct tape works best for securing bags to the form.

 

Facial expression is the first thing a viewer will notice.  Use an old milk or bleach jug, clay pot, ball, pillow-case or burlap bag (with painted or sewed-on face).  

 

Ideas for hair and head:  gourds, yarn, broom, shredded plastic, moss, raffia, or old mop head.

 

Clothes are usually the easiest part and FREE-or nearly so.  Check out thrift stores for colorful and cheap clothing and accessories.

 

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.

 

Remember the details-a glittering pair of high-heeled shoes, for example, will make all the difference.

 

Do not use latex gloves, as they quickly disintegrate outdoors. 

 

Spray Scotchgard inside and out of clothes to prevent mildew.