Lisa Lee
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Lisa Lee – Scarecrows line Main St. in Eaton Rapids.)

Come see the creative yet spooky entries in the 6th annual Eaton Rapids Main Street Scarecrow Contest. This yearly event was started in 2017 when the Wally Byam trailers rolled into town. It took a year off for COVID in 2020 and is back in its full swing. This year, 22 scarecrows line Main Street. The contest is sponsored by the Eaton Rapids Arts Council. The head organizer of the Scarecrow Contest is Corey Cagle of the Eaton Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, as the Arts Council falls under the Parks and Rec domain.

The community will be the judge of this year’s contest, with first, second and third place winners. Bragging rights will go to second and third place winners, and a prize for first place is still being determined. Votes are cast from now until October 25 at noon. To cast your vote, search Facebook for “Eaton Rapids Scarecrow.” Pictures of each scarecrow will show with a number in an orange square, click on the scarecrow you like the best and reply with a comment about why you voted for it as your favorite.

Scarecrows were made by individuals, community groups and businesses in hopes of winning the big prize. The creator of the scarecrow will remain secret until after the judging. Scarecrows are scheduled to remain on display until Halloween.

This year’s lineup includes a full sized pink boxed Barbie on the farm doll, Harry Potter’s Dobby, “Bringing the world to Eaton Rapids” mural, a Biology Teacher, a retro tie-dyed scarecrow, a scarecrow stuffed with stuffed animals, “Poppy,” a Wheelbarrow full of scarecrows, Medusa, Santa Superman, A Swimmer, “Cousin It,” a cruise ship captain, the “Bone Collector,” a pumpkin riding camel back and many more unique scarecrows.
Past scarecrow winners have included “The Wizard of Oz,” “E.T.,” “Mer-Magic” and “George, Our Local Greeter.”

Downtown businesses will be hosting trick or treating on October 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children in costume are encouraged to visit local business with their family members.