Join us for Dayton’s 7th annual Scarecrow Contest and help us increase Dayton’s population one scarecrow at a time! All residents and businesses are eligible. The scarecrows will be on display for public viewing from September 28 through October 11, 2026.
Enter and register for the Dayton Community Scarecrow Contest here: https://forms.gle/Vg9S6WRKAVnAosgA9
The deadline for entry and putting up your scarecrow display is Sunday, Sept 27, 2026.
Non-Commercial Category:
1st Place – $100 Dayton Dollars + Yard Sign
2nd Place – $50 Dayton Dollars + Yard Sign
3nd Place – $25 Dayton Dollars + Yard Sign
President’s Choice – Yard Sign + Trophy
Commercial Category:
People’s Choice Business – Giant Ribbon
About the scarecrow contest:
• Have a Dayton address? You’re eligible to enter!
• Scarecrows may be traditional, whimsical, humorous, mischievous, or loveable.
• Only HANDMADE scarecrows will be accepted.
• Bloody/violent themes, advertising, political or religious statements are not allowed.
• This is a family friendly event and DCDA reserves the right to disqualify any entry.
• Scarecrows must be able to be easily viewed from the street, as we will be promoting the Scarecrow Tour through October 12th.
• Monetary prizes will be awarded in Dayton Dollars to be spent at participating Dayton businesses. No change will be given if face value is not spent in one visit.
• All non-commercial winners will also receive a commemorative yard sign for bragging rights! Business winner will receive a stunning ribbon!
Find the map of scarecrow locations on our Facebook page.
