Scarecrows will take over Mission Viejo for fun fall contest

Do those hay-stuffed figures that are placed in fields to keep fowl and fauna out ever appear in Mission Viejo? You bet. Every Halloween, scarecrows become standard lawn décor but this year, they will take over Mission Viejo.

The City will place more than 50 scarecrows in public places throughout the community and is seeking nonprofit organizations – churches, scouts, schools and charities – to make a scarecrow for the chance to win a cash prize courtesy of the Friends of the Arts.

The City’s 1st annual Scarecrow Contest calls for nonprofit organizations to design and create a scarecrow for display at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in October. The City will build the frames and bases (made from wood and cement) or organizations can make their own. Each scarecrow will be tagged with the organization’s name and on display during the popular Walk Against Drugs and Hometown Halloween events.

The public will judge the scarecrows and vote online or in person via a ballot box. The categories include Most Humorous ($300); Spookiest ($300); Best Traditional ($300); and People’s Choice ($500). Entries can win more than one category.

Here’s the timeline:

•             Sept. 26-29: Pick up frames at the Murray Center by making an appointment with Andrew Fine at 949-470-3003 or afine@cityofmissionviejo.org.
•             Oct. 2-5: Deliver your finished scarecrow to the Murray Center (by appointment only).
•             Oct. 16-Nov. 1: Scarecrows will be on display for public voting.

For more information and to participate, contact Andrew Fine at afine@cityofmissionviejo.org.