Get Creative at Heathcote Botanical Gardens’ 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest!

Embrace the Flower Child Spirit with Our “Garden Hippie” Theme

Heathcote Botanical Gardens is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest, held alongside our 37th Annual Fall Garden Fest! This year’s theme is “Garden Hippie,” a nostalgic nod to the vibrant, peace-loving flower child era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. From  (NEW DATES:) October 18th through October 27th, our gardens will be filled with your unique and whimsical scarecrow creations.

We invite individuals, families, companies, and organizations to join in this creative competition. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-time creator, this is your chance to shine and contribute to a beloved community event.

Contest Rules and Regulations:

  • Entry Fee: Participation is free, but a $10 donation is appreciated to help cover frame supplies.
  • Entry Limits: One entry per individual or family. Companies, groups, and organizations can submit up to four entries.
  • Theme and Requirements: Scarecrows must adhere to the “Garden Hippie” theme and be handmade using the Heathcote-provided frame (3 feet by 7 feet, with up to 2 feet in the ground for stability). Each scarecrow must be moveable (weighing 25 lbs or less), self-supporting, and able to withstand Florida weather.
  • Materials: No commercial costumes, rubber or plastic masks, balloons, perishable goods, glass, or appliances. Decorations must be firmly attached and weather-tolerant. Avoid hot glue and paper items due to heat and rain.
  • Assembly and Setup: Scarecrows must be assembled before arrival and set up at Heathcote Botanical Gardens between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from October 2nd to October 4th. Appointments are required for drop-off.
  • Family-Friendly: All entries must be family-friendly. Heathcote representatives reserve the right to disqualify any entry deemed inappropriate.

Design Tips:

  • Whimsical and Humorous: Create scarecrows that are whimsical, humorous, mischievous, and loveable.
  • Avoid Frightening Elements: No monsters, gruesome scenes, or especially scary designs.
  • Creative Ideas: Traditional harvest figures, humorous characters, or celebrity look-alikes like “Strawlly Parton.”

Voting and Prizes:

  • Display and Voting: Scarecrows will be on display from October 4th through October 13th, with voting during the Fall Garden Fest on October 26th and 27th.
  • Fundraising: Entrants are encouraged to raise funds on behalf of their scarecrow. The entry with the highest donations wins.
  • Winner Announcement: Votes will be tallied by Heathcote officials, and the winner will be notified by phone on October 14th. The winning scarecrow receives a coveted trophy.
  • Pickup: All scarecrow entries must be picked up by 5 p.m. on October 27th. Unclaimed scarecrows will become property of Heathcote Botanical Gardens and will most likely be disposed.

Participation and Application:

To participate, complete the application: Scarecrow entry and rules 2024 . Submit your completed application via email to [email protected], mail it to us, or drop it off in person.  To donate to the fundraiser you may do so with our donate button on our website or just click here. Your donations go to supporting our nonprofit public private garden.  Thank you! Our gardens remain open and subsists from your generosity. All entrants must have a completed application to participate. Once your scarecrow kit is ready, we will notify you via email for pick-up details.

Join us for this exciting event, showcase your creativity, and support Heathcote Botanical Gardens. We can’t wait to see your unique “Garden Hippie” scarecrows!