Downtown Cedartown organizing scarecrow decorating contest for local businesses

Signupgs continue for the first ever Scarecrow contest continue through until it starts in September.

A scarecrow decorating contest is set to start on Monday, Sept. 19 and continue through until Nov. 1, when it will officially come to a close for the fall season.

Ramona Ruark, who is director for the Downtown Cedartown Association, said there is no cost for the contest.

She hoped that shop owners and businesses alike on Main Street will specifically participate in the program to get as much fall decorating done in time before the coming Fall Festival, set to start at 9 a.m. on Oct. 1.

So the DCA is asking and encouraging all businesses, schools, churches, non-profit organizations, individuals/ families to be part of the event.

Rules do apply for the upcoming event, which includes how big they are allowed to be, required signups and display signs, and no advertising or political statements will be allowed fo rthe decorating contest.

A materials list available online are suggestions only, and the DCA’s only requirement is that the scarecrow has to be made of items that will hold up through the fall season. The DCA recommends using a 2x4 piece of lumber to hold up the scarecrow itself.

Also, all scarecrows must be kept up through the Sept. 19 through Nov. 1 competition in order to qualifty for placement and prizes. The DCA will also remove any displays that aren’t maintained.

Scarecrows can’t block sidewalks or store entrances, can’t be in a city right of way, and must be family friendly. So no goblins or ghouls, monsters or axe murderer scarecrows need apply.

Spots will be determined based on the business or office. Main Street offices have nothing to worry about, but those who wish to participate and aren’t on Main Street, a plan is put in place.

For schools, churches, non-profit organizations, individual/ families or business’s not located within the Historic Commercial District, a location will be assigned by the Downtown Cedartown Association.

Winners will be announced during Halloween fun on Monday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. prior to the costume contest for downtown trick or treaters.

Prizes include monetary rewards starting at $100 for first prize down to $50 for third prize, along with donations from local businesses in a gift basket.

For more information on how to participate and get a scarecrow into the contest, contact the Downtown Cedartown Association at 770-7482090 or visit their website at downtowncedartown.com.