Get your scarecrow ready for contest

PORT JERVIS — The entry deadline for Port Jervis' fourth annual Scarecrow Contest is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23. It's free to enter.

Area residents, businesses, clubs, and organizations are encouraged to participate. First-, second-, and third-place ribbons will be awarded in the categories Youth, Adult, and Business/Club.

Mail entries to Port Jervis Tourism Board, P.O. Box 27, Port Jervis NY 12771; or leave at Flora Laura, 186 Pike St., Port Jervis.

How it works Scarecrow displays must be delivered between 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Fall Foliage Festival, near the Tourism Booth at Front Stand Jersey Ave (near the Erie Hotel). Those with elaborate displays should call 845-856-6741 to make arrangements.

Scarecrows are displayed during Fall Foliage Festival.

Scarecrows will be judged and winners announced at the main stage at noon.

Immediately following the event, scarecrows will be moved to Skinner's Park on East Main Street (across from the hospital).

To keep or display your scarecrow elsewhere, pick it up at 5 p.m. at the end of the festival.

To keep your scarecrow after public display, pick it up at Skinner's Park on Nov. 1. Scarecrows not picked up will be discarded the following week.

Scarecrow construction Height: minimum 4 feet, maximum 7 feet

Must be able to be moved by 2 people

Must be durable in wind and all weather for six-week display time

Must stand on its own
Be creative: no store-bought masks

Attach a sign (no larger than 8.5x11) with you and your scarecrow's name

Must be suitable for a family-friendly event and public display (examples: traditional harvest/farm; book, movie, or cartoon characters)