All entrants have a chance to win a prize for ‘Funniest Scarecrow’ and ‘Most Creative Scarecrow’ as well as Overall Champion Scarecrow and the People's vote. Don't be afraid to have a go - to win your scarecrow just needs to be outstanding in his or her field! (Ba-dum-tss!!)
Rules & Guidelines
Competition Rules
1. Anyone living in Copford is welcome to enter the scarecrow competition.
2. To pa
rticipate, entrants must submit completed registration forms before 23 June and have their scarecrows on display ideally by 25 June but no later than 30 June.
3. Families may enter more than one scarecrow
4. Business Entries are welcome
5. Minimum height of one meter
6. All scarecrows must be built from scratch by the entrant (no commercial creations allowed)
7. You can use any materials you like to build your scarecrow, there are no restrictions – with just one exception: pre-moulded or commercially available face masks are not permitted.
8. All Scarecrows must be made and displayed in good taste.
9. Scarecrows should be placed in a safe location and should be clearly visible from the road
10. They must also be secured in a manner that they will not blow away and will not otherwise be a danger to or possibly cause injury to anyone.
11. Owners are held solely responsible for the safety and security of their scarecrow(s).
12. All scarecrows should be constructed to consider the prospect of the Great British weather.
13. Finally… The most important rule: Make sure you enjoy yourselves! Only scarecrows registered in time will be considered by the judges.
2. The Judging panel will cover all ages and have representatives from The Alma, The Church, The Cricket Club, The School and other village groups
3. The judges will be looking for creativity and originality – judges will be looking for scarecrows with that little bit extra, it may be the materials used, the way the scarecrow has been made, how the scarecrow is displayed, or simply a fantastic idea that catches the judges’ eye. MISCELLANEOUS
1. The scarecrow festival judges’ interpretation of these rules (and any decisions made by them) are absolutely final – and can’t be challenged!
2. By entering the scarecrow competition, you confirm that you accept these rules.
3. Photographs will be taken of all scarecrows to assist with judging. Photographs may be published on the page or used for other purposes after the event. STUCK FOR IDEAS? There is lots of inspiration online about how to make and dress your scarecrow, but we encourage you to let your imagination go wild. You don’t have to stick to a traditional scarecrow – anything goes! Here are some useful web addresses.
http://thequeso.com/how-to-make-a-scarecrow-without-involving-any-money-or-actual-skill/
www.yates.com.au/kids-gardening/cool-projects/build-a-garden-scarecrow
www.hobbyfarms.com/crafts-and-nature/how-to-make-scarecrow.aspx
www.rd.com/home/gardening/how-to-make-a-scarecrow/
www.henandhammock.co.uk/scarecrow-ideas
www.makescarecrows.com/
https://uk.pinterest.com/lorrim/scarecrows/ (lots of images of interesting characters here)
Also ‘YouTube’ has many ideas and tutorials that may help! For those without Internet access here are some useful scarecrow building tips! Getting started
A scarecrow is simple to make and will provide a great opportunity for the whole family or a group to share in its creation. Each one will be individual, and you’ll be surprised at the personality they take on. Thinking of a name also helps to develop their character. First create a basic design and gather your material together. A traditional scarecrow was usually a crossed timber figure that was dressed and stuffed to give him volume. If you have never made a scarecrow before, you have a real treat in store. How to make a simple scarecrow
What you need:
Two pieces of timber, one slightly longer than the other. Nails or screws and string or wire. An old pillowcase, tights or a small flour bag for the head. Needle and thread or stapler. Straw, or other material for stuffing. Clothes, from a local charity shop or from your own wardrobe! Building your scarecrow
Attach the two pieces of timber together to form a cross. Make sure that the arms are not too long for a shirt or jacket to be put on later. If you are using stockings for the head, cut off the legs and put one inside the other for extra strength. Stuff it in the shape of a head. Tie the head loosely at the neck end. Paint a face on with acrylic paint or permanent marker, or stitch features with wool or thread. Slide the head onto the short end of the vertical pole, then attach to the body by tying with string or wire. (An old football, gourds or cut out discs could also be used for heads.) From here, use your own creativity. Drape any clothing onto the poles, stuff and tie off at the wrist, ankles and waist. Attach strands of wool, straw, or other fibre under a hat. Tie gloves to the outstretched ends of the crossbar
