Wanted: Scarecrows for the New Orleans Botanical Garden Fall Garden Show

Scarecrows are gathering in the New Orleans Botanical Garden for the Annual Fall Garden Show. Scarecrows will remain in the Garden through October 25^th. We invite you to create a one-of-a-kind scarecrow to compete in the following categories: Funniest, Scariest, Most Original.

Ribbons will be awarded in each category. Scarecrows don't have to be at all what we imagine- an old shirt, pants, and hat filled with straw. Scarecrows can be a form of outdoor sculpture. Any material can be used- moss, recycled cans, an old ball gown. They can stand alone or as a part of a tableau of your creation. They can be in the tradional scarecrow pose with arms outstretched or astride an old bike and flying a kite. Scarecrows can be abstract works of art or made to look like a readily recognizable celebrity, politician- even a pet. Just remember the categories. Your scarecrow can give the judges the heebie-jeebies or just make them excalim "Wow, this one's really different!"

Individuals families, businesses, civic organizations, and schools are all encouraged to join and build a scarecrow!

Check out the rules, deadlines, and ideas and get your entry in as soon as possible. The thousands attending the Fall Garden Show who can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Information and Rules

• By October 8^th- Complete the registration form and fax to (504)738-3980 or mail to New Orleans Botanical Garden, 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124.
• October 1^st- A six-foot tall scarecrow frame (free of charge) is available from the Garden (indicate on registration form). If you prefer, make your scarecrow free-standing, sit it in a chair or hammock, or construct your own frame.
• October 18^th & October 19^th- Bring your finished scarecrow or your materials and decorate your scarecrow on site. Set up will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please include a sign no larger than 8¹/₂ x 11 indicating the name of the exhibitor and the name of the scarecrow.
• October 20^th- Judging will take place on Saturday, October 20^th at the Fall Garden Show. Ribbons will be awarded to winners in each category-- Funniest, Scariest, Most Original, and Best Traditional.
• October 26^th through 31^st- You will be able to take down your scarecrow between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Any scarecrows remaining in the Garden after 4:30 p.m. October 31^st will be disposed of in preparation for Celebration in the Oaks.

Rules:

• Scarecrows must be in good taste. Those that reflect controversial social or political situations will not be accepted. Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
• No perishable goods may be used in the construction of your scarecrow (pupkins, squash, etc).
• The New Orleans Botanical Garden is not responsible for the loss or damage of any portion of entries.
• The New Orleans Botanical Garden reserves the right to use photographs of the scarecrows for future publicity.

Tips for Making Scarecrows

• Scarecrows will be subject to the weather, so they must be constructed with weather-resistant materials. Clothing that does not fade easily, such as nylon or polyester, holds up better than cotton.
• Scarecrows must be either freestanding, supported by a prop (wheelbarrow, chair, etc) or built around a frame. A six-foot tall frame is available through the Garden which will be installed over a stake installed and provided by the Garden.
• Stuffing can be anything, but newspaper or water-soluble peanuts will not work. Plastic bags work best. Newspaper can be used inside platic bags.
• Suggestions for the head include an old milk jug, flower pot, gourd, wood, basketball, soccer ball, plastic pumpkin, pillowcase, or burlap bag.
• Facial expression is the first thing a visitor will notice. Your scarecrow face can be beautiful, cheerful, sad, angry, or ugly. It can be a famous person or a cartoon character. The face can be decorated with paint, a permanent marker, or sewn on.
• Scarecrow hair can be made from a variety of materials including yarn, pipe cleaners, shredded plastic, foam beads, moss, raffia, mop head, torn strips of fabric, felt cut into a fringe of various lengths.
• Clothes are usually the easiest part. Check out thrift stores for colorful and cheap clothing and accessories. You may want to Scotchguard the inside and outside of clothes to prevent mildew.
• Remember the details. Accessories make the difference. Add a hat, gloves, shoes, and scarf.
• The scarecrows stay out in the Garden, so make sure everything is secure. Sewing is the best, but safety pins work well.
• Do not use latex gloves as they disentegrate outdoors.
• Search the web for ideas. Suggested sites include hsvbg.org, atlantabotanicalgarden.org, and kindercorner.com.