TOMS RIVER – The Scarecrow Walk is once again returning to Downtown Toms River. The community is invited to come downtown and vote for their favorite scarecrow. Scarecrows are on display from October 11 to October 31. Participating businesses will have ballots for voting. Just look for the Scarecrow Walk poster in their window!
Do you think you have what it takes to enter the contest? Now is the time to start planning your ultimate scarecrow. So, dig out those old clothes from the attic, rummage through your fall decorations and start designing the perfect scarecrow. The contest is open to all ages and there is no entry fee. Registration is required and must be received by October 4. Again, this year we will have two chances to win. The first is the traditional People’s Choice, where the public votes on their favorite scarecrow. The second will be the Judge’s Choice. Special Judges will vote on the best scarecrow. Your scarecrow will automatically be entered into both contests.
Eligibility: The contest is open to all ages and there is no entry fee. Registration is required and must be received by 4:30 p.m. October 4. You can register at downtowntomsriver.com/scarecrow-walk.
Check-In/Delivery of Scarecrow: Entrants are responsible for bringing their fully assembled scarecrows to the courtyard in front of Town Hall on October 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. A weatherproof sign with the name of your entry will be provided at check-in. You will then get your location for placement. Scarecrows will be affixed to the light posts throughout Downtown. All scarecrows must face in toward the sidewalk and businesses and not face the street.
People’s Choice Judging: Scarecrow judging will be done by popular vote. The public can only vote once. Ballots are not valid without your name and email address. Ballots will be available at participating businesses in Downtown Toms River. Just look for the Scarecrow Walk Poster in their window.
Ballots can be dropped off at the ballot box located at the following location:
- The Downtown Shops at 53 Main, 53 Main Street Toms River
- Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street
Judges Choice Prizes:
- First Place – $200
- Second Place – $150
- Third Place – $100
People’s Choice Prizes:
- First Place – $200
- Second Place – $150
- Third Place – $100
Rules: All entries must be family friendly. Scarecrows that reflect controversial social, religious, or political situations will not be accepted. Downtown Toms River has the right to reject any and all scarecrows they deem offensive or inappropriate.
Each group or individual may enter only one scarecrow. Scarecrows must remain on display outside from October 11 through October 31.
Scarecrows will be subject to the weather for several weeks. Materials must be firmly attached to the scarecrow. Use materials that will stand up to all weather conditions.
They recommend that you check on your scarecrow periodically to make sure it remains in presentable condition. The better it looks the more votes you will get! If at any time a scarecrow deteriorates due to weather Downtown Toms River reserves the right to remove it.
All scarecrows must be picked up by November 1. Winners will be announced November 7.
