By Sharron Luttrell

 The annual Mendon Cultural Council Scarecrow Contest kicks off Oct. 4 and this year, organizers will level the corn, er, playing field by offering separate categories for families/individuals and municipal/businesses.

“We realized that it’s not fair that a 10-year old kid or a 12-year-old kid competes against a business,” Cultural Council Chair Joanne Lamothe said.

The Cultural Council introduced the scarecrow contest in 2024 while brainstorming ways to bring the town together. The idea – no disrespect to a certain well-known scarecrow – was a no-brainer. Scarecrows reflect the town’s agricultural roots while offering residents a unique way to express their creativity, Lamothe said. Not to mention, October is a beautiful time of year to drive Mendon’s roads for some scarecrow peeping.

“October’s a great time to be out. The weather generally is good and people like to decorate,” she said.

The deadline to register for the contest is Oct. 3 with scarecrows on display by Oct. 4. Photos and addresses will be posted on the Mendon MA Bulletin Board Facebook page and voting will take place online through Oct. 25. The winners will be announced Oct. 26.

Register for the scarecrow contest by emailing culturalcouncil@mendonma.gov.

Photo top of page: The Vandervalk Farm & Winery took home first place in last year’s scarecrow contest (courtesy Mendon Cultural Council).