Families, businesses, schools and community organizations are invited to put their creativity on display this September as the Bourbonnais Township Park District prepares for its 13th Annual Scarecrow Contest at Perry Farm Park, sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital.
Registration is open to businesses, nonprofits, schools, youth organizations, individuals and families, with no age restrictions. The $30 registration fee includes the use of a scarecrow frame, which must be returned following the contest. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The contest reached capacity last year, so early registration is encouraged.
“This is one of those programs where the creativity of our community really takes over Perry Farm,” said Cherie Smolkovich, Director of Marketing and Recreation for the park district. “Thousands of people visit the park during this time of year, and they genuinely enjoy walking through and seeing what families, businesses and organizations have created. It is a lot of fun, and every scarecrow adds something different to the experience.”
Due to the distribution of scarecrow frames, registration must be completed in person at Perry Farm House, 459 N. Kennedy Drive, Bourbonnais. Registration closes Wednesday, September 16, or when all available spaces have been filled. Participants will receive an assigned fence post number based on registration order.
Scarecrow setup may begin Thursday, Sept. 17, and all displays must be completed by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Scarecrows are displayed along fence posts at Perry Farm Park between cornstalks for the community to enjoy through Saturday, October 31.
Participants are encouraged to use their most creative ideas while keeping displays appropriate for public viewing and PG-rated. Scarecrows should also be constructed for durability and able to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
Official judging will take place the morning of Sunday, Sept. 20, before the Fall Stroll & Scarecrow Festival, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Perry Farm Park. First-place winners in each category receive $100, second-place winners receive $50, and third-place winners receive a $25 BTPD gift card.
Festival visitors can get involved in the judging, too, by casting a $1 ballot for the People’s Choice Award. Ballots will be collected throughout the festival and tallied Monday, Sept. 21. Proceeds from People’s Choice voting benefit the Friends of the Bourbonnais Township Park District, helping provide financial assistance toward park district program fees, including summer camp, youth soccer leagues and other recreational opportunities.
The Fall Stroll & Scarecrow Festival is presented in partnership with the BTPD and Community Arts Council of Kankakee County.
For more information about the Scarecrow Contest or registration, visit btpd.org or call 815-933-9905.