New Providence Scarecrow Stroll and Contest Guidelines, Rules and Registration 

This October be part of our Annual Scarecrow Stroll and Contest
in Downtown New Providence!!

New Providence Business is once again hosting the very popular annual Scarecrow Contest, bringing a fun and festive feel to our downtown!   The contest encourages New Providence residents, businesses, civic organizations, school groups, sports teams, and families to build the wildest, cleverest, funniest scarecrows they can imagine (within contest guidelines).  The scarecrows will be on display throughout the downtown to bring the community and businesses together.  It's a great opportunity to visit our fantastic stores and restaurants - they need you now more than ever! 

FOUR PRIZE CATEGORIES!!

One winner will be chosen from each of FOUR categories:  

14 AND UNDER = $150       

15 AND OVER = $150         

ORGANIZATION/SCHOOL = $150 

BUSINESS - $150

Create your own unique family-friendly scarecrow .  It can be wild, funny, furry, silly, or ridiculous.  Use your imagination!!  FREE to enter but space is limited!  Entries on a first come basis! This is your chance to express yourself! **

Scarecrows should be handmade and not purchased from a retailer. Scarecrows should not be taller than 6 feet and cannot extend into road or walkways. Scarecrows should be built to withstand the elements (wind, rain, sun).  Scarecrows may not be built on a wooden or rigid frame.  Scarecrows will be attached with zip ties to assigned lampposts downtown. Appropriate zip ties will be provided. 

Ballots for voting will be available at participating downtown shops from Oct. 10 – Oct. 31.  Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

 **The committee reserves the right to eliminate scarecrows from the contest and remove any scarecrows or scarecrow elements/accessories that are inappropriate (absolutely nothing violent, bloody, gruesome, scary, political, religious, provocative, or in poor taste will be permitted. No weaponry, real or pretend, will be permitted and will be immediately removed. See complete Rules and Regulations below).

Scarecrow Contest Rules and Regulations

Deadline:

• Entry forms must be received no later than Saturday, October 3, 2019.  No unregistered entries will be accepted.  

Eligibility:

• The competition is open to all New Providence Residents, New Providence based organizations, and New Providence businesses only.
• Prizes:  Four Prizes in all. Winners of the Scarecrow Contest will be announced after Nov 2. One $150 prize awarded for each category:  14 and under; 15 and over; Organization/School; Business   

Size, construction, and display requirements:

• Scarecrows should be handmade and not purchased from a retailer.
• Scarecrows should not be taller than 6 feet and cannot extend into road or walkways.
• Scarecrow should be built to withstand the elements (wind, rain, sun). 
• Scarecrow may not be built on a wooden or rigid frame.  They will be attached to an assigned lamppost downtown with special ties.
• No flammable, electrical or battery-operated items can be used including, but not limited to tiki torches, gas-powered generators, lighting, etc.
• Scarecrows must be in good taste and in keeping with our New Providence family-friendly standards.  No violent, bloody, scary, gruesome, political, religious, or offensive entries will be permitted. No weaponry, real or pretend, will be permitted. 
• No Handouts, promotional materials or free giveaways can be associated with a scarecrow or scarecrow entry.
• New Providence Business or Borough is not responsible for anything damaged, lost, or stolen.
• We reserve the right to remove any scarecrow or scarecrow elements that do not meet these standards.

Set-Up:  NEW SET-UP PROCEDURE THIS YEAR!

• Check-in Oct. 5 - 9:  Call Cindy Reis  (908) 665-1400 x 8232 to arrange a pick up time

Pick up your lamp post assignment, zip ties, scarecrow voting number tag, and instructions at:

NP Municipal Center LOBBY
360 Elkwood Ave.
LOOK FOR THE BAG WITH YOUR NAME ON IT.  IT WILL CONTAIN YOUR LAMP POST ASSIGNMENT, ZIP TIES, VOTING NUMBER TAG AND INSTRUCTIONS.

• Be sure to attach your scarecrow number to your scarecrow in a visible place for voting purposes.  There will not be any staff available to assist with setting up your scarecrow.   You may set up your scarecrow any time from Oct.5 - Oct.10.  (Voting starts on Oct. 10, so please try to have your scarecrows set up by then or as soon as possible thereafter.)  

Voting:

• Voting will take place from Oct. 11 – Oct.31.  Everyone is invited to vote.  Limit one entry per person please. Ballots and ballot boxes available at participating businesses.  Winners will be announced shortly after Nov 2.

Scarecrow Tips:

• Supplies – some suggestions: shirt, pants, buttons, hats, gloves, socks, glue, pillowcases, yarn, felt tip pens, rubber bands, safety pins, bamboo pole, ropes, craft wire, (recycled shopping bags stuffed with newspapers or rags are good for stuffing!)
• We strongly encourage you to visit your scarecrow for “check-ups”.  Please make any necessary repairs to keep your scarecrow looking its best.  Remember, voting will continue until Oct. 31 at 5 PM!

Pick-Up:

• Scarecrows must be removed by Sunday, November 1.  Scarecrows not removed by noon will be discarded.

Interested in volunteering?  Contact us at 908-665-1400 x 8232 if you would like to join our Scare Crew for this fun event! 

Register Now!