Saturday, October 3, 2026

Scarecrows are on display October 3 - 31

Join us for a fun and festive Scarecrow Contest, where creativity and community spirit come together!

Help us decorate Downtown Sun Prairie for fall! Create a scarecrow to be displayed October 3–31.

Design your scarecrow as a fairytale character, storybook figure, animal, fantasy creation—or anything you can dream up! Fun or frightening, bright colors and unique materials are encouraged.

New this year! Vote for scarecrows online. Voting form link will be available beginning October 5.

2026 Scarecrow Contest - Entry Form - Must be completed and submitted with your scarecrow on Saturday, October 3 between 8 am - 12 pm at the Farmers Market.

Key Dates

  • Fame Pickup: Throughout September
    • Daily at Beans n Cream and Bank of Sun Prairie (downtown locations during regular business hours)
    • Saturday at the Farmers Market info tent
  • Entry Drop-Off: Saturday, October 3, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the Downtown Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market.
  • Display Dates: October 3–31.

Construction Guidelines

  • Must withstand Wisconsin’s October weather (sun, wind, rain).
  • All decorations must be securely attached.
  • Shoes must be sewn on (if used).
  • No straw (fire hazard), lights, lanterns, or perishable items.
  • Must be able to move in one piece, with no loose props.
  • Size: Minimum height 4’, maximum height 10’; maximum width 4’.

Judging

  • Entries are judged at 12 pm on October 3rd on originality, quality, and design.
  • Winners will be announced on the Downtown Sun Prairie Facebook page by Monday, October 6th.
  • Crowd favorite is determined by voting on Facebook throughout October. Announced November 3rd.

Scarecrow Contest Prizes

  1. Adult & Youth* Categories
    • 1st Place — $200 in Downtown gift cards
    • 2nd Place — $100 in Downtown gift cards
  2. Mike Cunningham Business Category — $250 in Downtown gift cards
  3. Crowd Favorite — $150 in Downtown gift cards

*Youth category is open to individuals or groups of 10 or fewer, age 17 and under, with minimal adult assistance.

Rules & Notes

  • Family-friendly entries only; inappropriate entries may be disqualified.
  • The City of Sun Prairie and the Business Improvement District are not responsible for the safety of scarecrows on display.
  • If you would like your scarecrow returned to you, participants will receive information via email before November 1st about how to pick up scarecrow.