Watchung Scarecrow Stroll Registration Open: How To Enter

WATCHUNG, NJ — Time to get creative: registration is open for Watchung's fifth annual Scarecrow Stroll & Contest.

The 2026 contest is open to Watchung residents, families, scouts, schools, clubs, first responders and businesses. Completed registration forms must reach Borough Hall by 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

Scarecrows will be installed at the Village Green at Watchung Lake during the weekend of Oct. 17-18 and must be finished by Oct. 20. Donuts and cider will be available Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Scarecrows should be family-friendly and can be wild, funny, furry, silly or ridiculous, as long as they are appropriate for all ages. Each handmade scarecrow should have a name, stand no taller than 4 feet and be sturdy enough to withstand wind, rain and sun without using a wooden or rigid frame. Entries will be secured with zip ties to assigned post-and-rail fencing at the Village Green at Watchung Lake.

The contest will be judged Wednesday, Oct. 21, by Watchung Hills Regional High School art students, according to the registration packet. Winners will be announced at the Harvest Festival on Halloween and posted on the borough website.

Prizes are being donated by Susan Tucker/Coldwell Banker. The scarecrows will remain on display through Oct. 31.

Scarecrows must be removed between Nov. 1 and Nov. 3, and any left in place will be removed and discarded by Nov. 4.

Registration forms can be downloaded from the Borough of Watchung website or picked up at Borough Hall.

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