The Ohio River Scenic Byway in Jefferson, Ohio and Switzerland counties are teaming up to provide a multi-county scarecrow contest this fall. The convention and visitor bureaus in each of the three counties are sponsoring the event to be launched on Sunday, October 2nd and concluding on Monday, October 31st.
The designated area for scarecrows to be placed is anywhere along, or within two blocks of the byway from Hanover in Jefferson County to Rising Sun in Ohio County.
Participants who wish to have their scarecrows judged and voted on for cash prizes must meet the following criteria: the materials must be weather resistant; be a minimum height of three-feet and no taller than 10-feet; remain displayed within street or highway view from October 2nd through October 31st; a photo and registration must be submitted electronically to emilyschroeder@vevayin.com or dropped off at either of the three participating visitor centers in Madison, Vevay, or Rising Sun.
Photos of each scarecrow that is submitted will be posted on a new Facebook page allowing for viewers to “like” or vote for the ones they think are the scariest, funniest, most creative and cutest. The individual, business or organization with the most “likes” in each category will win $250 payable after October 31st. One judge from each of the three counties will determine the grand prize winner which will be awarded $500 and will be selected out of the top four from each category.
Properties located within two blocks of the byway, defined as being on or between Seminary Street and the Ohio River in Vevay, are eligible to participate. Other properties within two blocks of the byway in Lamb, Patriot and in Switzerland County are eligible.
The traditional Sleepy Hollow scarecrow contest will not be held this year in lieu of the larger, regional initiative.
For more information, contact the Switzerland County Visitors Center at 427-3237.