Crosby Arboretum holds Scarecrow Trail contest

PICAYUNE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum invites the public to participate in its Scarecrow Trail contest.

The Scarecrow Trail will be displayed Oct. 5-26 throughout the Arboretum grounds. Winners will be announced at the Arboretum’s Fall Festival Oct. 26.

Registration begins Sept. 1 and is open to individuals 18 years old and up. The contest is also open to groups, including youth groups, adult groups, civic organizations, community groups, school groups, school classes, church groups, businesses and families.

The contest is limited to 25 entries on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries are subject to official approval. Deadline for entering the contest is 5 p.m. on Oct. 1. There is no fee to enter. Once registration is full, those wishing to enter can be added to the waiting list.

Scarecrows must be made using repurposed and recycled household materials as much as possible. Plastic, rubber and/or store-bought masks are not allowed. Hazardous materials are prohibited. These include tiki torches, candles, sharp objects, gas- or diesel-powered generators and any other flammable items.

Participants can set up their scarecrows Oct. 2, 3 and 4 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

All entries will be judged by category based on popular votes by Arboretum visitors during the weeks of display. Winners will be announced during the Fall Festival on Oct. 26.

For more detailed rules, visit https://tinyurl.com/3zxuz74c.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or other information, contact Barb Medlock at 601-799-2311, ext. 0.