Downtown Manchester Priming For Annual Scarecrow Contest

MANCHESTER, CT — The Downtown Manchester Scarecrow Festival will be celebrating its 13th anniversary this fall.

Downtown Manchester officials are inviting businesses, organizations and individuals to create a family friendly scarecrow for display on Main Street during the annual Downtown Scarecrow Festival.

The scarecrows will be on display from Oct. 9 through Oct. 24.

In 2020, a record number of 50 scarecrows lined Main Street.

"We can’t wait to see what our scarecrow artists have for us this year," Downtown Manchester officials said. "Visitors from all over Connecticut come and view our scarecrows."

This year, a bit of an interactive component has been added for visitors and the theme is "Undercover Heroes."

"We hope to see some everyday, unsung heroes – and some imaginary heroes, too," officials said. "A special panel of judges will be awarding prizes, including the Best in Theme by a Business and Best in Theme by an Individual. As always, the public will choose choose the favorites by voting on in the Downtown Manchester Facebook page — @downtownmanchesterct.

Scarecrow Artists must register by Sept. 28 participate.

To obtain a registration form and contest guidelines participants can contact the Downtown Manager Manchester Special Services District at 860-647-5726 or via email at dmssd@manchesterct.gov. Scarecrow registrations will be accepted until Sept. 28.