The Scarecrow Contest was introduced at
last year's fair. The contest was a big success
and the scarecrows were a popular spot for
fair-goers to take selfies. This year, the winning
scarecrow will win $25, and a People's Choice
Award will also be handed out.
"We expected maybe four or five
traditional scarecrows," Sharon said of last
year's contest. She thought they would be
wearing plaid shirts and jeans. Instead, people
brought in scarecrows that were dressed as
cheerleaders, a mean Maw-Maw, and even
Uncle Sam showed up as a scarecrow. Last
year's winners were a scarecrow dressed
up as the wolf from "Little Red Riding
Hood" and one that was a tiny, upside-down
gymnast.
The judges consider creativity when
selecting the winners, but they also look for
a fall theme. Scarecrows must use natural
materials like hay, straw, gourds or corn
stalks. Clothing and props may be used, but
no firearms (real or fake) or depictions of
moonshine are allowed.
Groups can work together to create a
scarecrow, and individuals are welcome to
enter as well.
Each scarecrow must be less than 8
feet tall and able to stand, or at least lean,
independently.
Scarecrow Contest
learn how to work harder
and maybe win the next
year. They learn to set
higher goals and new
techniques. Seeing them
win is pretty exciting."
The winners of
the junior and senior
divisions go on to
compete at the state fair.
If there is a tie, the county
youth talent director chooses
who will go on to state. If the
winner chooses not to go to state,
the runner-up may compete in their
place.
While the youngest contestants
don't move on to state, they still get
valuable practice by competing on the
county level, Andra said. Because of
her daughters' experience, she knows
that even very shy children can do well
on stage and that kind of experience is
important as they mature.
Because of deadlines in place for
the state fair, the talent contest will be
held Sept. 16, a week-and-a-half early.
The winners will have the chance to
perform at the fair. The contest is held
inside to protect the sound equipment.
Contestants can compete in up to
two categories.
"There's something about the
fair," Andra said. "For a few years my
kids didn't show anything, they just
went and hung out at the fair.
It's the ambiance of being there."
For more information about the fair and how to enter the contests,
visit www.bentoncountyfairar.org
www.Of f icialKidsMag.com • SEPTEMBER 2023 • 31
