Businesses, neighborhoods, churches, and schools are invited to enter our Scarecrow Decorating Contest to make our city festive (not scary!) for Scarecrow Season.
October 1 is the deadline for displays to be ready. Judges will visit each display during the week of October 13.
Prizes will be awarded in each category following the Scarecrow Stroll at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 18 at the Welcome Center, 2023 Main Street.
Please register to participate by October 1.
Scarecrow Stroll
New Event this year for our Scarecrow Celebration
Saturday, October 18
Stroll starts at 9:00 am. Awards Party follows the parade.
Stroll Route: Line up entries on Jones Street with the head of the Stroll pointed towards Main Street. When the Stroll starts, it will turn left onto Main Street and proceed to The Village. At The Village entrance, turn left onto Dauphine Street and go through The Village residential area until it gets to Merchant Street. Turn right on Merchant Street and then turn right onto Main Street, ending at the Welcome Center/Business Network office, 2023 Main Street.
Dress up in a non-scary scarecrow costume and join us for a “no vehicles allowed” stroll through downtown Madison. You can walk on legs or stilts, ride a bicycle/tricycle, unicycle, razor, scooter, wheelchair, golf cart, skateboard, battery-powered kiddie car, or push a stroller or pull a wagon. No cars, trucks, Gators, horses, or 4-wheelers allowed.
Special parade participants will be characters (not the real ones) Stitch and Ms. Rachel who will be available for photos afterwards.
Pets on leashes are allowed.
Participants may hand out, not throw, candy to viewers.
Businesses along the Stroll route are encouraged to hand out goodies, coupons, or swag. Other businesses throughout the city may provide swag or coupons for goody bags to be given away after the Stroll.
Judges will be stationed in front of Madison Methodist Church to view the entries and choose winners for best individual costume, best group, best dressed pet, and most unusual form of transportation.
Pumpkin painting, free refreshments, and family goody bags will be available after the Awards Ceremony at the Madison Welcome Center.
Please register to participate by October 15.
Scarecrow Festival
Thursday, October 23
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Liberty Park
Live music
Inflatables
Photos with Stitch
Cake Walk
Train Rides
Petting Zoo
Scarecrow Cruise and Car Show
October 24-25
Liberty Park
21st Scarecrow Cruise and Car Show expected to bring in 500 stunning show cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles
