Scarecrows will once again decorate downtown spaces in McDonough and Locust Grove this holiday season, thanks to the efforts of local main street programs and other participating organizations.  

  The McDonough Main Street Program, McDonough Hospitality and Tourism, and the Greater McDonough Business Association will be hosting their annual McDonough Scarecrow Contest from Wednesday, September 30 through Sunday, November 1. 

  Voting will take place from Thursday, October 1 to Thursday, October 29 at the McDonough Welcome Center and at participating merchants and restaurants during their regular business hours.

  The contest is open to individuals/families, civic, nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, clubs, businesses, and governments. Participants must pre-register. The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 23 and an entry fee is required. 

  Masks are recommended for everyone, including the scarecrows. 

  Cash prizes will be awarded to top scarecrows in the following categories: “Best of Show for Protective Mask Incorporated in the Display,” “Peoples’ Choice,” “1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Non-Business,” and “1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Business.”

  Social distancing will be required during this years’ scarecrow contest, resulting in scarecrow entries being limited to 50 this year.

  “Last year we had 96 scarecrows. They were three to four feet apart. This year, the scarecrows will be 10 to 12 feet apart,” said Main Street Manager Cinderella Bennett. “Safety is our #1 priority. We want to make sure we are providing activities for the community that are entertaining but that also allows for social distancing.”

  Looking ahead to the holiday season, the McDonough Main Street Program is working to think of new ways to provide safe events for the community to enjoy.

  “We are constantly thinking of things that will provide entertainment but at the same time allow for social distancing. We are trying to keep up with the traditions we had in the past years but also be mindful of the current situation we are in,” said Bennett. “We want to be safe first.”

  For more information about the McDonough Scarecrow Contest or to get an entry form, go to the City of McDonough website at www.mcdonoughga.org or visit mcdonoughga.com.

  The Locust Grove Main Street will be hosting their annual Scarecrow Village starting on Friday, October 2 and ending on Monday, November 2.

  There is no charge for organizations and businesses to enter the scarecrow contest.

  Scarecrows will be placed outside of the businesses in the Historic Downtown area as well as on either side of the Train Viewing Platform, located at 3786 Hwy. 42 in Locust Grove. 

  Visitors are asked to social distance as they walk through the Scarecrow Village.

  The Scarecrow Village was always going to be an event this fall, said Anna Ogg, Locust Grove Main Street Manager, as it is held outside and visitors will have the ability to social distance.

  “We were always planning to push through with the Scarecrow Village,” said Ogg. “I’m excited we have something festive and seasonal happening in Locust Grove amid the challenges that COVID-19 has brought us this year.”

  The contest is special for the city because it prepares the area for the holiday season while also featuring local businesses and organizations in a unique fashion. 

  “It not only decorates our downtown for fall but it also gives businesses or nonprofit organizations that may not be located in downtown Locust Grove the opportunity to advertise in our downtown,” said Ogg.

  Scarecrow entries do not have to wear a face mask but can do so in order to be entered into their “Best Scarecrow Wearing a Face Mask” category. 

  The other three categories include “Best Business Scarecrow,” “Best Scarecrow from a Non-profit Organization” and “Overall Most Creative Scarecrow.”

  Judges for the Scarecrow Village contest will be assigned. 

  Although no awards will be given, the top scarecrow in the above categories will win “bragging rights.”

  Safety is important, stated Ogg, and is their main focus as they look to plan events for later this year.   “We are looking forward to the holiday season and we are trying to get very creative how to celebrate the holidays in a COVID-19 safe way,” said Ogg. 

  For more information or to enter in the Scarecrow Village contest, visit www.locustgrove-ga.gov/ home or @LocustGroveMain Street on Facebook.