Fall fun: Build a scarecrow, advertise your business

Nothing says autumn like a scarecrow. These lovable straw-filled fellows announce the arrival of cooler weather and the oncoming harvest. This year, the Central Avenue Business Improvement District celebrates these whimsical companions with their third annual “Scarecrows on the Avenue Contest.” Design a scarecrow for your business or organization, and you could win $500.

“The scarecrows are a Real Life Social Marketing and quality of life idea,” says Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. “It just takes something so simple and fun for just about anyone and brings it to life. It’s also a great promotional way to let people know about a cause or organization.” Each day, close to 40,000 vehicles travel this stretch of Central Avenue.

District members and city residents are invited to construct a scarecrow to display during the contest, which will take place from October 10-24, 2014. During the contest, the public will vote for their favorite online. The scarecrow with the most votes will win the grand prize of $500 cash.
“It should really spruce up the areas for fall...and that’s good for business,” says Capece.

Last year, the grand prize winner was St. Anne's Institute with a great send-up of Despicable Me, complete with minions."We used clothes we obtained from a second-hand shop and we received the hay to make the scarecrows from a donation," says Dan Pickel, program director at St. Anne's Institute. "The whole group had a great time coming up with the idea and then making it become a reality. The girls really felt a sense of pride driving by Hannaford and seeing their creation. We will absolutely participate again in 2014."

Interested? Go online to www.scarecrowsontheavenue.com to fill out your entry form. It is $20.00 to enter. The entry fee is waived for not-for-profits. Deadline to enter is Friday, September 26, 2014.