EATONTON, Ga. — The scarecrows are coming! The 2022 Scarecrow Contest & Showcase presented by Smith Communications Inc. and The Lake Oconee Breeze and hosted by Eatonton Main Street will take place during October in downtown Eatonton. This annual tradition is always fun for participants and guests alike. 

The 2022 Scarecrow Contest & Showcase will include two categories of scarecrows: entries from businesses and entries from non-businesses (i.e. families, civic groups, schools, etc.). The entry fee is $25 per entry regardless of category. The entry fee will go toward the cash prize for the first, second and third place winners of the non-business category. 

The first, second and third place winners of the business category will receive a certificate for FREE advertising with Smith Communications Inc. and The Lake Oconee Breeze. Currently, there is approximately $2,500 in cash and prizes available for the winning entries. As more entries are registered, the cash prizes will increase for the non-business winners. 

“Winners of the scarecrow contest will be voted on by the public,” stated Eatonton Main Street Manager Lauren Singleton. “We will have a QR code that guests can scan with their phones to vote for their favorite scarecrow throughout the month of October. We will also have paper ballots available at City Hall for those who prefer to cast their vote that way.” 

Registration is now open for the scarecrow contest and ends on September 23, 2022. Participants must register and pay the $25 entry fee to be part of the contest. Participants can mail the registration form and payment to Eatonton Main Street, P.O. Box 4384, Eatonton, Ga. 31024. The registration form and payment can also be dropped off at the Eatonton Main Street Office, which is located inside City Hall, 201 N. Jefferson Avenue. Accepted forms of payment include cash and check made payable to Eatonton Main Street. No credit cards, please. 

The Scarecrow Contest & Showcase is open to anyone regardless of residency. The contest is a great way to promote small businesses and have fun at the same time. 

Registration information can be downloaded at www.downtowneatonton.com or it can be picked up at the Eatonton Main Street Office. For more information, please call 706-749-9150 or email director@downtowneatonton.com.