Text Box:    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 freestanding 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. Be sure to secure all joints with PVC cement. 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 and plastic soda bottles make great arms and legs. 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, pillowcase, burlap bag (with painted or sewed on face) or gourd. Ideas for hair: 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.      Sponsored by Franzi Bondy

         Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
    Scarecrows IN the Gardens
                2007 Information & Rules

  1. Entry Fee is $20 per scarecrow location. Entry Forms must be
    received by September 21st.
  2. Set up will be at the Gardens between 9/24 and 9/29 from 9 a.m.-
    5 p.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 Thursday, November 1st.  Each entry is responsible for
    installing, maintaining, and taking down their scarecrow.
  3. 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.  The 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.
  4. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is not responsible for any loss or
    damage to entries. 
  5. The judging will take place October 1st.  Decisions of the judges
    will be final
  6. You are responsible for removal of your scarecrow from the Garden
    if you wish to keep it.  Take down will be Thursday, November 1
    through Sunday, November 11 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.      No
    appointment time is needed.  Note:  Any scarecrow left in the
    Garden on November 12th will be disposed of    . 
  7. 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.

Text Box: QUESTIONS?? Call the DABG Office At 334-793-3224 Between 8AM-5PM

Questions? Call the DABG office at 793-3224 between 8am-5pm.

Click here to download
entry form.     

 
                                          

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