Scarecrow competition slated in West Liberty

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Creating an event in gearing up for the Halloween holiday and fall, the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce will host a free community scarecrow competition, asking individuals, families, businesses, groups and organizations to participate.

Stephanie Martin, director of the Chamber, said the event will be held from Oct. 1-28 with judging on Thursday, Oct. 29.

She said there will be four prizes awarded for people’s choice, most creative, best dressed and a local business entry, the winners taking home Chamber bucks that can be spent all over the community at participating merchants.

Local residents are encouraged to build a scarecrow and place it in front of your home, office or shop, as long as it’s visible from the street.

Martin said the Chamber once held such a contest “years and years ago” but the event was lost when a new director took over and Martin says it’s been a while since scarecrows took to the streets of West Liberty.

“We thought this year it would get people excited about participating and looking forward to something,” Martin said, hoping families would take the time driving around town looking at the scarecrows.

Depending on the participation, Martin said it’s hoped the event would attract families from neighboring communities, hoping to capture some business and restaurant sales.

She said the idea is to “get them out and about and, hopefully, getting them in our business doors.”

Martin said judging will likely be accomplished by a few Chamber members as well as some recruits from the West Liberty Area Arts Council. Judging isn't narrowed down yet.

Martin said the Chamber would “love to see the scarecrows stay visible through October and maybe through part of November.”

The director said the Chamber has been busy using their creative juices and is also planning a community holiday lights decorating contest this year as well.

“With the pandemic we just don't know what will happen and what events we will be able to host at this point so we’re trying to keep West Liberty going strong,” Martin said. “Tough times don't last - tough towns do.”

Anyone interested in registering for the scarecrow competition should call the Chamber office in downtown West Liberty at 319-627-4876 or e-mail chamber@westlibertyiowa.com

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