Isom’s Orchard invites families, businesses, and crafty neighbors to design playful, pun-filled scarecrows for a cause. This year’s animal theme means every entry triggers a $100 donation to PAALS (Partnership for Animals Athens/Limestone), while top scarecrows earn cash prizes, bringing community creativity together with meaningful support for local pets.
Key Details
• Scarecrow set up: September 27–30, drop off finished displays anytime during these dates; volunteers will help with placement.
• Judging day: October 15, entries judged for creativity, theme execution, and durability; winners announced the same day.
• Theme: Animal, interpret freely: pups, foxes, kitties, barnyard pals, birds, reptiles, or mythical critters; witty animal puns and playful names encouraged.
• Donation: Isom’s Orchard will donate $100 per scarecrow entry to PAALS; there is no entry fee required to participate.
• Prizes: 1st - $500; 2nd - $300; 3rd - $200; cash awards plus community recognition and social media spotlight.
Why enter
• Support PAALS: Directly benefit local dogs and cats, your entry helps fund low-cost spay/neuter services, shelter outreach, and community animal-welfare programs that keep pets healthier and homes safer.
• Boost visibility: Showcase your business, club, or creative project to orchard visitors; scarecrow displays draw attention, social shares, and goodwill while you give back.
• Charm visitors: Delight fall crowd, families sipping cider and shopping for pumpkins will tour the entries, take photos, and share favorites, creating lasting memories and extra foot traffic for the orchard.
How to enter
• Request an entry form: Email IsomOrchard@gmail.com or send a Messenger message to request your form.
• What to include on the form: Phone number; Scarecrow name; Business or individual name. Provide a brief description or fun pun if you like.
• Setup window: Deliver your finished, weatherproofed scarecrow to Isom’s between September 27–30; volunteers will assist with placement.
• Donation details: Isom’s will log each entry and contribute $100 per scarecrow to PAALS on your behalf, there is no entry fee.
• Display tips: Use outdoor-safe materials, secure bases or stakes, and keep dimensions family, and pathway-friendly so visitors can safely enjoy every creation.
Rules and tips
• Outdoor durability: Use weatherproof materials, treated fabrics, sealed paper, coated foam, painted wood, or durable plastics, so entries withstand rain, wind, and sun.
• Secure construction: Anchor bases and stakes firmly, reinforce joints, and avoid exposed sharp hardware to keep displays safe for visitors and volunteers.
• Size and accessibility: Keep dimensions pathway-friendly and sightline-conscious so families, strollers, and wheelchairs can view entries comfortably.
• Weather-ready finishing: Seal seams, tape edges, and use rust-resistant fasteners; weight bottoms or add sandbags to prevent tipping.
• Creativity counts: Emphasize animal-themed puns, whimsical costumes, props, and a memorable scarecrow name to catch judges’ and visitors’ attention.
• Durability checklist: Test for wobble, water intrusion, and loose parts before drop-off; bring quick repairs or extra ties on setup day.
• Group-friendly builds: Ideal for families, school clubs, businesses, and maker teams, coordinate roles (design, construction, finishing) and clearly label entries with your group name.
Promotion and visitor experience
• Season-long spotlight: Scarecrows stay on display throughout the season, transforming the orchard into a walkable gallery where visitors stroll, snap photos, and celebrate classic fall traditions.
• Shareable moments: Entries make perfect social content, post your favorite shots, tag Isom’s Orchard, and highlight your support for PAALS to amplify reach, attract visitors, and celebrate community impact.
Contact and questions
• Entry forms & questions: Email IsomOrchard@gmail.com to request a form or ask questions.
• Cost: No entry fee, Isom’s donates $100 per scarecrow entry to PAALS on your behalf.
• What to bring: Creativity, weatherproof materials, secure fastenings, and a playful spirit.
Make this season FUR‑real: craft a cute, clever scarecrow, support animals in need, and join a community celebration full of pumpkins, cider, and smiles.