Calling all artists, crafters and creators: The Burlington County Scarecrow Contest is back and features a new prize for the best scarecrow that celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary.
Registration for the annual contest ends this week, and the scarecrows will be on display beginning Oct. 12 at Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton. Park visitors will be able to vote online for their favorites, and the winners will be announced on the County’s social media.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three scarecrows, plus the winner of a new category for scarecrows with America 250th Anniversary theme.
“The scarecrow contest is one of Burlington County’s longstanding traditions and we’re excited to offer a new prize this year for the scarecrow that best celebrates our nation’s 250th Anniversary,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “The contest is a fun way to celebrate the milestone and bring people to Smithville Park, one of the region’s most historic and scenic parks in the region.”
Registration for the contest ends Sept. 19. To register, complete an online form at https://burlingtoncountynj.formstack.com/forms/2025_scarecrow_contest_application .
Completed scarecrows must be installed along Park Avenue in Smithville Park between Oct. 4 and Oct. 12. Voting will begin on Oct. 13 and end on Oct. 25. The winners will be announced on Oct. 27.
The top vote recipient will receive the First Prize of $250. The Second Prize is $125, and the Third Prize is $75.
A $250 prize will also be awarded to the top vote recipient among scarecrows with a 250th Anniversary theme.
The contest is open to all ages. Participants can be individuals, families, clubs, groups of friends, youth groups, service organizations or businesses.
Scarecrows should be family-friendly and tasteful. Humorous, whimsical and spooky scarecrows are welcome, but political statements are not permitted. The Burlington County Parks System staff reserve the right to disqualify any entries deemed not appropriate or that violate contest rules.
Typical scarecrows begin with a 2 x 4 piece of lumber for the body and a dowel rod or broomstick for arms. They should not exceed 7 feet and props should not extend more than 3 feet on either side.
Completed scarecrows will be mounted on light standards in the park and should also have a sign identifying the name of the entry, including name, group, business or club.
For additional rules, visit the Burlington County Parks page at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2050/Burlington-County-Scarecrow-Contest.
Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton and includes the remains of Smithville, a once thriving Victorian-era industrial town where woodworking machines and the famed American Star Bicycle were manufactured.
Burlington County bought the village in 1975 and transformed it into Burlington County’s first County Park. The Commissioners celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the purchase earlier this year.
“Burlington County’s Park System is one of the best in the region and Smithville continues to be one of our most popular assets,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Autumn is a great time to visit the park, and the scarecrows provide another reason to go there. It’s a fun fall tradition that brings together artists, families and organizations from across the county. We’re looking forward to seeing the new creations this fall.”