By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
It’s last call for anyone interested in participating in this year’s Scarecrow, Harvest and Sculpture Contest in downtown Plainwell.
Entry forms for the contest—which can be found at the City of Plainwell’s website—must be completed and returned by Friday, Sept. 23. Forms can be emailed to Denise Siegel at dsiegel@plainwell.org or dropped off at Plainwell City Hall, 211 N. Main Street.
Any individual, group or business can enter the contest and there is no entry fee.
Displays are scheduled to go up on Monday, Oct. 3, and remain up throughout the month of October. Anyone needing help with setup should contact Siegel so arrangements can be made with the Plainwell Department of Public Works.
Awards will be given in two categories: Best Scarecrow and the People’s Choice Award.
Judging for the Best Scarecrow will be conducted by an independent panel, while the People’s Choice Award will be determined through a public vote. Voting takes place on the city’s Facebook page beginning on Monday, Oct. 10, and running through Friday, Oct. 21, at 5 p.m.
Winners will receive plaques at the City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 14.
All displays should include the name of participant for identification purposes. Displays must be weather-resistant, with the city reserving the right to remove any scarecrow or sculpture that does not hold up to the natural elements.
All displays must be secured with zip ties or string. No medal or wire is allowed on any downtown light pole, fixture or bench.
Other specifics for displays include:
- Structure: Each scarecrow must have a horizontal support of wood for the body (2”x4” post preferred). This support is needed as each scarecrow will be wired to a steel light post for display. Please do not use perishable goods as part of the construction of your piece. Hay bales can be used for the bodies as well or any other material, as long as it has a solid base for display purposes. Other displays can include pumpkins, hay bales, wooden frames, etc. any hay bales must be enclosed in a casing to keep the hay/straw together to avoid blowing onto the sidewalk.
- Size: There is a minimum height of three feet and the displays cannot be taller than 5-foot-7 if being placed along M89 and Main St.
- Display: For voting purposes, a number will be assigned to your entry, but you can provide an 11×17 inch sign that is attached to the front of your design. This sign will include your scarecrow’s name and description, your business/organization name and 30 words or less advertising your business, organization or group, if applicable.
Displays must be removed by Tuesday, Nov. 1. Any displays that are still up will be removed by the city beginning Wednesday, Nov. 3, and will become sole property of the city.