The scarecrows have returned to Historic Smithville Park and Burlington County residents and visitors have between now and Saturday to vote for their favorites.
Voting for the annual Burlington County Scarecrow Contest has started and will continue through Saturday, Oct. 25, when the winners will be announced during the Burlington County Autumn Lands festival at Smithville Park.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three scarecrows, plus the winner of a new category for scarecrows with America’s 250th anniversary theme.
Nineteen scarecrows are on display along Park and Maple avenues and feature versions of the Three Little Pigs and Big Bad Wolf, the mysterious Widow of Mount Holly, Oz’s Wicked Witch and Glinda, Charlie Brown, and the Terminator, among other creations.
To vote, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2050/Burlington-County-Scarecrow-Contest to select your favorites. The top three vote recipients receive prizes, along with the America 250th scarecrow with the most votes.
“The Scarecrow Contest is one of Burlington County’s longtime fall traditions and this year’s entries reflect the outstanding artistic talent and creativity of Burlington County residents, groups and businesses,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Check out all 19 scarecrows this week or during the Autumn Lands festival and then vote for your favorite.”
Visitors to the park can vote for the scarecrows they like best on the premises using a smartphone and the County’s free Wi-Fi service. Look for “Burlco” in your network list and select it to connect. QR codes are also located on the signs next to the scarecrows to provide easy access to the voting portal.
Visitors are also encouraged to download the Burlington County Parks System free mobile app, which is available at both Apple and GooglePlay stores. The app provides easy access to trail maps, park information, facility rentals and registration for parks activities, programs and classes.
“Burlington County expanded free public Wi-Fi to Smithville and other County parks so that visitors could stay connected and access online services and information,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “It was an important enhancement and the scarecrow contest is one example of how visitors can use the Wi-Fi to access information about Burlington County Parks and events.”
Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton and includes Smithville Mansion and several of the remaining structures from Smithville village, a once-thriving Victorian-era industrial town where woodworking machines and the famed American Star Bicycle were manufactured. Burlington County purchased the remains of the village in 1975 and remade it into Burlington County’s first County park.
This year the County celebrated the 50th anniversary of the County’s acquisition.
“Burlington County has one of the best parks systems in New Jersey that residents and visitors from across the region can continue to discover Smithville and experience its unique blend of history and natural beauty,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Autumn is a great time to visit the park, and the scarecrows are another great attraction.”