2026 Scarecrow Spectacular

Scarecrow Spectacular

Registration Deadline: September 7

Delivery to Garden: September 21-25

Registration fee: $40

Don't let this keep you from participating,

reach out to us if the price is an issue)

Now, for the rules:

• Scarecrows must be in good taste and not reflect controversial social or political situations.
• Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Six weeks in the WV weather can take a toll on your creations, trust us! (The WVBG reserves the right to refuse any scarecrow entry, or remove any that may deteriorate or become unsightly.)
• No handouts, promotional materials, or free giveaways can be associated with any entry.
• No live plants or mulch may be used in any displays. No hay - ONLY WEED-FREE STRAW permitted (to help prevent the spread of invasive species).
• Scarecrows must be brought to the Garden between September 21 and 25 between the hours of noon and 5:00 PM. Each entrant is responsible for the installation of their scarecrow in their pre-designated spot (which will be sent to you by email). If help is required for setup, you must reach out to us and select a weekday time slot. Please do not arrive unannounced and expect our team to be available to help you, but once we communicate your designated scarecrow location you're free to bring it out and put it up on your own if you don't need our help.
• The WVBG will provide a metal mounting post (rebar) and designate a location for each scarecrow, which should be (mostly) assembled prior to delivery to the Garden.
• Exhibits may not exceed 10' X 10' X 10'. The WVBG will provide a standard-sized sign to identify the entry. On the sign will be the name of your scarecrow and the name of the nonprofit who created it.
• Scarecrows will need to be picked up and removed from the WVBG by 5:00 PM November 6th, 2026. (Please put this date into your calendar with reminders--each year our staff grumbles about the scarecrows that are left behind without any communication for us to dispose.)
• People's Choice winner will be announced the following week. WE ONLY COUNT ONE VOTE PER EMAIL/PERSON, don't sandbag the voting please. Try to win it by having the best scarecrow and convincing the public that your's is the best, not by rigging the vote.
• Registrants must complete and submit application for pre-approval.

We sincerely hope that you will join us in this project. It is a fun and creative outlet for your supporters, and it brings a lot of joy to the thousands of WVBG visitors while educating the public about the good work happening in our community! Many plan to visit the Garden just to see the scarecrows during this annual event.

Thanks for what you do to make our world better! We're proud of you and this is our way of saying thanks.