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From Staff Reports
Excitement is in the air as Elizabethton gears up for the much-anticipated 2023 Scarecrow Contest, set to transform Downtown Elizabethton into a whimsical wonderland from September 15 to October 20.

The contest, which has become a beloved local tradition, is open to everyone in the community, and there’s no cost to participate. Organized by Main Street, the event promises a season of creativity, community spirit, and friendly competition.

Contestants are invited to craft their scarecrow masterpieces and submit them for public judging. The public will have the opportunity to cast their votes online, with judging open until October 20. The winners will be revealed on October 23, and the scarecrows should remain on display until November 1, ensuring Elizabethton stays festive for Halloween.

For those in need of straw for their scarecrows, Farm Supply will deliver bales directly to businesses in the area on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Cleanup is made easy this year, thanks to the Chamber and Elizabethton Farmers Market, who will be collecting straw on November 2 at 10 a.m. However, participants are reminded to remove any decorations, plastic, and trash before that time. Painted items won’t be accepted, so organizers urge participants to plan accordingly.

In an exciting twist this year, scarecrow displays are not confined to Elk Ave., offering even more creative opportunities for participants. To ensure everyone’s scarecrows adhere to guidelines, organizers have released a set of rules:

* Displays must be completed by September 15 to be eligible for judging.
* A sign, measuring 8-1/2 x 11, featuring the display’s title and entrant’s name, must be placed within the exhibit.
* Elk Avenue displays must be positioned between the column and the street and may not encroach within one foot of the street. The same rule applies to all other displays.
* Contestants must avoid damaging, defacing, or marking any column with their display.
* Main Street retains the right to disqualify entries that are deemed distasteful or not family-friendly.
* Scarecrows should be built to withstand the elements, including sun, wind, and rain. All decorations must be securely attached to the scarecrow display.
* Voting will be facilitated by Main Street and conducted online. QR codes will be affixed to each scarecrow to facilitate voting.
* Displays should be dismantled no later than November 1.

As Elizabethton prepares to embrace the 2023 Scarecrow Contest, the community eagerly anticipates the creativity and camaraderie it will bring to the charming streets of the city.