One of Burlington County’s favorite seasonal traditions is returning once more to Historic Smithville Park.
Registration for the annual Burington County Scarecrow Contest is now open and the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Parks System are putting out the call for individual artists, families, clubs, groups and service organizations to sign up and enter the popular fall competition to create Burlington County’s best scarecrow.
The scarecrows will be on display beginning on Oct. 7 and park visitors will be able to vote online for their favorite. Winners will be announced during the Burlington County Parks Sytem’s Autumn Lands festival in Smithville Park on Nov. 2 at 6 pm.
“The scarecrow contest is one of our longstanding Burlington County Parks events. It brings together artists, families and organizations from across the county and provides them a showcase for their creativity and artistic talents,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “It’s a fun autumn tradition that brings more people to beautiful Smithville Park. It’s also a great way to spotlight your organization, business or group.”
The registration deadline for the contest is Sept. 27 and can be done online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2107/Scarecrow-Contest .
Completed scarecrows must be installed along Park Avenue in Smithville Park between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Voting will begin on Oct. 7 and continue until 4 PM on Nov. 2.
The top vote recipient will receive the First Prize of $250. The Second Prize is $125, and the Third Prize is $75.
The contest is open to all ages. Participants can be individuals, families, clubs, groups of friends, youth groups, service organizations or businesses.
Scarecrows should be family-friendly and tasteful. Humorous, whimsical and spooky scarecrows are welcome, but political statements are not permitted. The Burlington County Parks System staff reserves the right to disqualify any entries deemed not appropriate or that violate contest rules.
Typical scarecrows begin with a 2 x 4 piece of lumber for the body and a dowel rod or broomstick for arms. They should not exceed 7 feet and props should not extend more than 3 feet on either side.
Completed scarecrows will be mounted on light standards in the park and should be made to withstand sun, wind and rain. Each scarecrow should also have a sign identifying the name of the entry, including name, group, business or club.
For additional rules, visit the Burlington County Parks page.
Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton and includes the remains of the village of Smithville, a once thriving Victiorian-era industrial town where woodworking machines and the famed American Star Bicycle were manufactured.
Burlington County bought the village in 1975 and remade it into Burlington County’s first County park.
“Burlington County’s Park System is second to none and Smithville is one of its biggest and most popular assets,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “It may be our first County park but residents from across the region and beyond continue to discover it and rave about its unique blend of history and natural beauty. Autumn is a great time to visit the park and the scarecrows provide another reason to visit and experience the park’s unique blend of history, art and natural beauty.”