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Date: 9/7/2021
EASTHAMPTON – The second annual Citywide Scarecrow Contest is returning to Easthampton in October to support the Easthampton Community Center (ECC).
Residents interested in participating are asked to email EasthamptonScarecrowContest@Outlook.com with their name, theme and brief description of their scarecrow, as well as their address so the public can view their scarecrow.
The deadline to have a scarecrow built and entered is Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.
The event has been organized by local residents Ed and Jenny Bloniarz to support the ECC and celebrate all they do for the city. For a half a century, the center has been providing services to the greater Easthampton area. They provide a food pantry, community care kitchen and a clothing closet, along with a meeting space for community groups and holiday or celebratory gatherings.
People involved with this event are encouraged to donate at least $5 to the ECC, but this is not mandatory. According to Ed, people can make their donations in person at 12 Clark St., or through the ECC website, https://easthamptoncommunitycenter.org.
Once people register and build their scarecrow, they will be asked to send a picture to the same email so the organizers can post it on the event’s Facebook page. The organizers will visit each scarecrow during the voting period, which will be from Oct. 17 until Oct. 24. The voting period officially ends at 6 p.m. on the Oct. 24 day.
“Voting is open to any area resident – [it is] not exclusive to Easthampton residents – via text at 413-335-7961,” said Ed. People can also email the scarecrow contest address with their votes or utilize the event’s Facebook messenger, as well. The top five votes will win prizes.
Scarecrows must be visible from the road and remain in good standing for the entirety of the contest. No rubber, plastic or store-bought masks will be allowed. Since it is a family event, political or excessively violent scarecrows will not be allowed during the contest.
When asked what he is most excited for regarding the contest, Ed said, “Enjoying everyone's creative builds with my family. We have three children, soon to be four and [they] loved last year's creations.”
People can follow the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ehampscarecrowcontest for updates and any other information on the contest.