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Scarecrows will be encompassing the fall spirit and promoting unity this year.
The annual Scarecrow Contest will be kicking off in the coming week and last until Halloween. The contest, which is free, is open to everyone, not just businesses. Participants are encouraged to pick a downtown column and bring a scarecrow to life.
Courtney Washburn, director of the Main Street Program, says this event projects the spirit of fall.
“This contest really does encompass the fall spirit in downtown,” she said. “And, at the end of the day it’s all about community.”
While the contest serves as a way for people to get involved and show off their decorating skills, the scarecrows themselves have a purpose as well.
“We want to encourage everyone to come out and see all the different kinds of scarecrows,” said Washburn.
She explained that families can go out and view these scarecrows while also shopping local. The benefit? Bringing joy and positivity while supporting local businesses.
“I think the scarecrows will bring joy and happiness,” said Washburn. “Especially this year, they serve as a reminder that we have a strong community and love our downtown. This promotes a message of positivity and unity in the community.”
Washburn explained this unity involves businesses coming together to display their scarecrow designs, as well as participants from the community.
“It’s our businesses coming together to bring some holiday festivity to our community, and we need that more than ever right now,” she said.
According to Washburn, enjoying activities and shopping local in downtown is essential.
“We continue to invite our community to keep showing up and keep supporting our small businesses,” she explained.
For those wishing to participate in the contest, the requirements are that decorations be family friendly, be durable to the elements and not extend closer than one foot from the edge of the sidewalk. Applications to apply are available in the Elizabethton Star Newspaper.
After enjoying family-fun of shopping local and looking at scarecrows, the public is invited to cast their votes, which can be done through the Downtown Elizabethton Facebook page, which will be provided soon, or email Washburn at cwashburn@cityofelizabethton.org (all information has been provided in the contest advertisement). There will be a first, second and third place for the scarecrows.
“We hope that the Scarecrow Contest is a fun and engaging way that people can feel connected to our downtown,” said Washburn.