Deadlines Announced For Upcoming Competitions At Peddler's Village

LAHASKA, PA — Peddler’s Village will be presenting its annual competitions and displays, beginning with its Pet Photography Exhibit in late summer and early fall, followed by the popular Scarecrows in the Village in the fall and Gingerbread Competition & Display in the winter. All members of the public are invited to enter the competitions.

The Pet Photography Competition & Exhibit, presented for the third consecutive year, will showcase dozens of professional and amateur pet photographs of dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, birds, and more. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. This is a juried competition; however, all members of the public are invited to enter. The deadline to submit an entry is August 10. The free indoor display, which is housed at the Visitor & Event Center, begins on August 31 and continues through October 18.

Beginning on Sept. 7, the 47th annual Scarecrows in the Village competition & display will feature more than 100 incredible scarecrow creations made by residents and organizations. Categories include: Traditional; Quite the Character; Carecrow “In Your Corner”; Figures of America’s Past; Fright Night; and Kids Only.

(Peddler's Village)

(Peddler's Village)

(Peddler's Village)

Members of the public are invited to enter the competition by September 2 for a chance to win cash prizes. The display is free and on view every day through October 26. Guests can vote for their favorite scarecrows in each category using the Peddler’s Village mobile app. Winners will receive cash prizes.

The Scarecrow Festival takes place on Sept. 19 and 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature entertainment, activities, including scarecrow-making workshops (reservations strongly encouraged), and autumn-themed food and drinks.

In November, the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display will feature more than 100 handmade gingerbread creations submitted by local residents, organizations, and professional bakers. Categories include Professional, Traditional Holiday Gingerbread House, Incredibly Unusual 3-Dimensional Creation, Edible Americana, Student (Teen ages 12-17; Youth ages 9-11), and Kids Only! (ages 8 and under).

The Gingerbread competition. (Peddler's Village)

The deadline to enter the beloved holiday competition is Nov. 11. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. The display, also housed indoors at the Visitor & Event Center, will begin on November 20, which begins the holiday season at Peddler’s Village, and continue through Jan. 9, 2027. Guests can vote for their favorite entry to win the People’s Choice award.

The holiday season officially begins on Friday, Nov. 20 with the Grand Illumination Celebration, a magical event during which Santa, Mrs. Claus, and special guests switch on a display of a million colorful lights. The Holiday Kickoff Weekend, which takes place Nov. 20 through 22, will feature special holiday-themed entertainment and mark the start of the holiday season at Peddler’s Village. The holiday lights display will continue through Jan. 17, 2027.