Creativity invited to CABA scarecrow making contest

The annual scarecrow making contest is back, to bring some fall-themed fun for the entire family.

The Cornell Area Betterment Association (CABA) is hosting the event Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2-4 p.m., at the Mill Yard Park pavilion. The event is free for families and businesses, but there are only 20 spaces available.

“In the past, we have charged for businesses, but this year, with everything going on, we wanted to open it up to the community,” said Ginna Young, contest organizer.

CABA is able to provide the event at no cost, thanks to the generosity of Citizen’s State Bank, for sharing grant money with the organization.

Each family or group will be provided stakes, nails, hay, decorations and cloth faces. Participants should bring scissors, old clothes, accessories and their imaginations.

“Things are going to look a little different this year, than they have in the past,” said Young.

The scarecrow-making will be a social distanced event, because of COVID-19. Each group will be assigned to a table and the provided supplies will already be at the table.

Young says the only thing that will need to be shared are the glue guns.

“We’re going to space those out as much as we can and they will be sanitized after each use,” said Young.

Masks are recommended for the event, but not required, because the contest is outdoors.

A new addition to the contest, is there will be two winners of the contest. Entries will be separated into families and businesses, and a winner will be chosen from each.

“Each winner gets a gift card to KJ’s Fresh Market and a trophy,” said Young. “You must be present to win.”

Those interested in creating a scareperson must register by Monday, Sept. 21, with the spaces available on a first come, first serve, basis. No walk-ins will be accepted. To register, call 715-313-3713.

“We hope as many people as possible will come out and join us, and next year, we can have it even bigger,” said Young.