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Witches and ghosts, step aside. It’s time for scarecrows to have a moment in the spotlight.
The Tarentum Recreation Board launched its 14th annual scarecrow contest Monday, with entries competing for a $100 top prize.
“They are so creative every year,” said Carrie Fox, recreation board president. “We appreciate everyone’s efforts.”
Fox said she snagged the idea from a town near Hershey, and now people look forward to it.
“It’s always exciting to see what people create,” she said.
Anyone who travels through Tarentum can expect to see an array of plump characters popping up from Oct. 15 to 29.
The straw-stuffed creations will be attached to utility poles that line the borough’s business district along Corbet Street and Sixth Avenue.
Entries should be whimsical, mischievous or oddball, but not scary, Fox said.
Scarecrows should stand a maximum of 7 feet tall, and props should fit in a 3-by-4-foot area.
Over the past dozen years, the contest has attracted a variety of businesses, families and friends to show off their creativity. Last year saw about 15 entries with first place going to “Bad Hair Day” by Hailey’s Hair Creations and Spa along Fifth Avenue.
The figure had an armful of hair dryers, combs and curling irons, and prickly straw ponytails sticking up across her head.
This year, owner Traci Zinn plans to work her magic on a straw wizard gnome.
“I love gnomes,” Zinn said. “I usually make them out of socks, so we’re just gonna go for a giant one.”
Zinn said her win last year was particularly nice since her shop had just opened four months earlier.
“It was nice to feel like part of the community,” she said.
People aren’t shy about being crafty, Fox said.
“This contest lets creative people shine and brings fun for all,” she said. “These scarecrows bring smiles to many.”
While some look like traditional overall-clad stick figures, many are made to resemble princesses, movie characters and celebrities. Last year, Spiderman and his 6-foot web stood at the corner of Third Avenue and Corbet Street. A whimsical doll with a purple satin dress and straw braids stood a few doors down.
Scarecrows must be durable enough to withstand any kind of weather.
Fox recommended using a 2-by-4 piece of lumber for the body. Bales of hay, corn stalks and other props are welcome.
The second-place winner will earn $75 and third place gets $50.
Scarecrows must be removed by Nov. 5.
To enter, email Fox at cfox@tarentumboro.com.
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya by email at tpanizzi@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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