Scarecrow contest launches the spooky season in Ligonier

Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its popular scarecrow contest, with the entries now on display.

Each autumn, the borough’s downtown becomes home to dozens of carefully crafted scarecrows. All winners in the creativity department, the scarecrows also compete for votes and cash prizes.

This year’s 30 “scary, awesome” entries, hand-crafted by local nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses and individuals, are on display through Nov. 2, says Scott Haines, chamber executive director.

“Once a scarecrow has cast its spell on you, cast your vote for it by 12 p.m., Oct. 28,” he says in a release.

“While this is a great fall activity for families, the scarecrows appeal to children of all ages,” Haines adds.

All of the lamp posts around the town’s Diamond have been claimed by a scarecrow, says Ruthie Stewart, chamber events and marketing coordinator.

The VFW and Standard Bank have their scarecrows sitting outside their places of business, she adds.

“There are some really cool ones,” Stewart says.

“Paws on Main did a play on ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,’” she says.

“And the Compass Inn did a play on Jack Skellington from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ they are calling the Pumpkin Squire of Ligonier,” Stewart says.

Loyalhanna Realty is contest sponsor, enabling the chamber to offer prizes of $150, first place; $125, second; and $75, third.

In addition to the cash prize winners, a “Community Favorite” will be selected by popular vote.

Residents and visitors can cast their ballots at Ligonier Road Toad, Ligonier Pharmacy, Ligonier Paws on Main Street, Betsy’s Of Ligonier, Standard Bank, O’Shea’s Sweet Shop, Get Go, Fort Ligonier VFW, Abigail’s Coffeehouse, the Ligonier Creamery, the Ligonier Valley Library, the Holiday Home Store, Fort Ligonier, and at the chamber office, 120 E. Main St.

Details: 724-238-4200 or ligonier.com