Scarecrows in the Village

An autumn tradition continues starting September 7!

For six fun-filled weeks, one hundred scarecrows line the brick pathways of our autumn-tinted Village. Some are inspired by famous characters, some are humorous, some are scary – but all of them are carefully handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations. The display is free and on view every day through October 26. Village visitors are invited to vote on their favorite scarecrows during the display. Voting continues through October 14, 2026. The creators of the winning scarecrows receive prizes.

Showcase your stuff(ing)

All members of the public are invited to participate in the scarecrow competition. You can enter one of six categories. The deadline for entries is September 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Contest details are below.

The Competition

Categories

Pay homage to the scarecrows that have been “scaring crows” from farmers’ fields for centuries.
Ideas: Utilize old cloth, straw, and natural supplies.

Create a scarecrow interpretation of your favorite fictional or non-fiction character.
Ideas: Books, television, movie character, human, animal, or animated!

Craft a scarecrow that promotes awareness of health issues, and conditions and/or the organizations that provide support (cancer, heart disease, mental health, autism, addiction, etc.).
Ideas: Personal hero or character representing an important nonprofit.

For America250, create a scarecrow that commemorates a historic figure that helped to shape the course of America.

Ideas: Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, Muhammad Ali.

“It’s Alive!” Create a scary scarecrow that scares.
Ideas: Pennywise, GhostFace, zombies, Vecna, Frankenstein, The Walking Dead

This category is for our 12-and-under guests. Have your child create a traditional-style scarecrow!
Ideas: Disney, Sesame Street, storybook, or superhero characters

Winners receive:
1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $150
4th Place: $100
5th Place: $75
6th Place: $50
(2) Honorable Mentions: $25

Kid’s Only Category winners receive:
1st Place: $100 Giggleberry Fair Gift Card
2nd Place: $75 Giggleberry Fair Gift Card
3rd Place: $50 Giggleberry Fair Gift Card

Grand Prize: This scarecrow will be judged on overall creativity, craftsmanship, adherence to category theme and wow factor. PRIZE: $300 · Dinner for 4 at Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant

Winners will be announced and posted on our website by October 19, 2026. Prize winners must collect their prize at the Visitor & Event Center when picking up their Scarecrow.

Voting

The public will vote on their favorite entries from September 7 – October 14. Ballots can be cast through our Peddler’s Village Mobile app (Android | Apple). Paper ballots are available in all shops and restaurants. Please drop your completed submission in ballot boxes located in the Cock ‘n Bull, Giggleberry Fair Indoor Family Fun Center, Buttonwood Grill and Visitor & Event Center.

Check-In

Scarecrow Check-In will occur on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM at the Visitor & Event Center. Additional details, including hours and location, will be provided after registration.

Pickup

Scarecrows may be picked up on October 27 & 28 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Any scarecrows that are not claimed by Friday, October 30, 2026, and whose creator(s) have not arranged for alternative pick-up arrangements will become the property of Peddler’s Village.

Dos & Don’ts

  • All entries must be family friendly. Peddler’s Village reserves the right not to display an entry that is deemed offensive, controversial, inappropriate or poorly constructed and may remove entries based on guest complaints or damage.

  • Each group or individual may enter only one scarecrow per category, but may enter more than one category. Please complete one entry form per scarecrow.

  • Scarecrows must be no taller than 10’ ft from the ground and weigh no more than 35 lbs.

  • Scarecrows must be built on a 1-1/2″ square wooden post. When you drop off your scarecrow, Peddler’s Village will provide a square pipe secured in the ground at your display location for you to insert your post. Only one pipe per entry is supplied. The pipe is approximately 12″ – 18″ long, so make sure to start your creation 20″ up from the bottom of your post!
  • No part of your display may touch the ground. No materials may be placed on the ground under or around your scarecrow. Our greens are maintained year-round, and mowing and landscaping will occur around scarecrow displays. Scarecrows touching the ground will be disqualified.
  • Your scarecrow must be weather-resistant and sturdy in order to qualify for displaying and judging. We strongly encourage entrants to visit their scarecrows in the Village for periodic check-ins. During the time that your entry is on display, you may make any necessary repairs to keep your scarecrow looking its very best. Peddler’s Village reserves the right to remove any scarecrows that deteriorate due to weather.
  • No perishable goods may be used in the construction of your scarecrow, including pumpkins, squash and other plants.
  • Scarecrow entries that are removed from Peddler’s Village by the entrant prior to the close of the display will forfeit eligibility to win prizes. Eligibility to enter the Scarecrow Competition for the coming year will also be forfeited.
  • Peddler’s Village has final approval based on votes, overall appearance/composition of the design, originality/imagination/use of materials, difficulty of design/design execution, and “fit” in category.
  • Peddler’s Village is not responsible for the presentation, maintenance or safety of any scarecrows on display.
  • TIPS
    – A strong idea is key. Sometimes the best entries are the simplest, yet most recognizable.
    – Craftsmanship can make or break the overall look of a project.
    – Stuff your straw into pantyhose to keep it in one place! Experts can sew the pantyhose for shaping.
    – Weatherproofing: Your scarecrows will have prolonged exposure to all kinds of weather. Make sure to seal porous materials, such as papier-mâché, with a water-repellent spray (3M or Scotchguard)