Scarecrow contests hosted this fall

Not all scarecrows wear loose-fitted, green shirts and pointy straw hats. Some wear dresses or suits and others have hair down to their calves. What each scarecrow wears is up to the designer - and that designer might even be you! Scarecrow contests are popping up around Macomb County once again this year, including in places such as Richmond, Shelby Township, New Baltimore and more.

Businesses, organizations, individuals and families are all encouraged to design their own straw-person to dress up Heritage Lake in Shelby Township. Registration to join in on the fun begins Sept. 22 and end Oct. 3, with scarecrows expected to be displayed from Oct. 6 - Nov. 3. More information on the competition and voting can be found on the township's website.

In Richmond, individuals, families, businesses, clubs and organizations have until Friday, Oct. 3 to register for the annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest. Not only does this act as a fun group project, but it's also a great chance to showcase your organization or family for all the community to see! There's a $10 fee to enter. Learn more at the city's website.

The 20th annual Scarecrow Contest in New Baltimore also invites individuals, businesses and other organizations to join the fun! Sign-up and scarecrows are due Sept. 24-25. From Sept. 29 to Nov. 7, Downtown New Baltimore will have each creative scarecrow design on display for in-person voting in front of businesses. For more information on the competition criteria and prizes, see the city's website.

Lastly, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSM) are holding their own Outdoor Adventure: Scarecrow Building Competition at Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township. Registration closes Sept. 17, but the event will take place on Sept. 28. There, a friendly vote will be held by attendees while cider and donuts are served. Learn more here.

For many communities, scarecrow decoration contests are annual, community-driven events. So, don't forget to keep an eye out for our straw-filled friends during the holiday season.