Summerville Main Street is once again inviting local organizations, businesses, and individuals to unleash their creativity by participating in the highly anticipated 2025 Scarecrow Building Competition, set to transform downtown into a festive autumn display throughout October.

This popular annual event offers a unique opportunity for school groups, businesses, sports teams, local clubs, church groups, civic organizations, and even groups of friends to engage with the community and showcase their imaginative talents. Best of all, there is no entry fee to participate!

Participants are encouraged to build unique and eye-catching scarecrows that will be displayed in designated downtown locations. While there is no entry fee, attractive prizes will be awarded to the top three scarecrows judged by a panel. First-place will receive $100, second place $50, and third place will be awarded $25. Winners will also receive prominent signage for public bragging rights following judging.

Key Dates for the 2025 Competition:

• Deadline to Enter: All registration forms must be submitted by September 26th, 2025.
  Scarecrow Construction & Display: Entries must be set up in their chosen downtown location between September 25th and October 2nd, 2025, and completed by no later than 6:00 p.m. on October 2nd.
• Display Period: Scarecrows will remain on display for the entire month of October.
  Winner Announcement: The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced at 12 Noon during the Sum Nelly event on October 4th, 2025.
  Scarecrow Removal: All entries must be removed between November 1st and 4th, 2025.

Contest Guidelines:

To ensure a family-friendly atmosphere, all scarecrows must be in good taste and refrain from reflecting controversial, social, or political situations. Durability is also key, as creations must be constructed to withstand various outdoor elements, being both wind and water resistant. Scarecrows should not exceed 6 feet in height. While contestants may display the name of their business, organization, family, or church, no handouts, promotional materials, or free giveaways can be associated with any entry.

Summerville Main Street reserves the right to refuse any scarecrow entry or remove any that may deteriorate or become unsightly. Participants are advised that valuable items used in their scarecrows are left at their own risk, as Summerville Main Street is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

How to Enter:

To register for this exciting competition, interested parties should complete and return the 2025 Scarecrow Building Contest Form by the September 26th deadline. Forms can be emailed to slocklear@summervillega.org, mailed to Summerville Main Street P.O. Box 180, Summerville, Ga. 30747, or dropped off at Summerville City Hall. Participants will select their downtown display location on a “First Come First Serve Basis” at the time of registration.

For more information, please call (706) 859-0900 ext 1337.

Summerville Main Street looks forward to seeing the creative and festive scarecrows that will decorate the downtown area, bringing joy to residents and visitors throughout the autumn season.

Contact: Summerville Main Street (706) 859-0900 ext 1337 slocklear@summervillega.org