With Mother Nature finally allowing the weather to reflect the true season, Elizabethton residents and businesses are immediately preparing for the annual scarecrow decorating contest.

Though applications ended last week, displays must be put up by the end of today to be considered for the contest.

All displays for the contest are located in Downtown Elizabethton, specifically on Elk Avenue.

The votes on which scarecrow display is the best come from the public, who will have until Wednesday, Oct. 23, to cast their votes at any downtown restaurant.

The Downtown Business Association will award ribbons for finalists on Friday, Oct. 25.

All displays will remain through Saturday, Nov. 2.

See more photos on page 2.