Create Something from Nothing
Let's transform Southern Schuylkill County into an outdoor gallery of creativity with the First Annual Scarecrow Festival presented by Penn State Schuylkill FBLA Collegiate, Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill, and South Schuylkill Unified Nonprofit Organization.
Welcome
The Scarecrow Festival is a month-long community art and tourism event that invites businesses, nonprofits, families and community organizations to design and display unique scarecrows made primarily from repurposed, recycled and found materials.
Displays will be featured throughout Southern Schuylkill County, creating a self-guided walking and driving tour for visitors to enjoy during the month of October.
Create Something from Nothing
Challenge yourself to create a scarecrow using materials you already have. Ideas include:
- Old clothing
- Garden tools
- Wood scraps
- Hay bales
- Pallets
- Buckets
- Bicycle parts
- Kitchen utensils
- Sporting equipment
- Business-related supplies
- Other recycled or reclaimed materials
The goal isn't to spend money—it's to be creative.
Why Participate?
- Businesses
Increase visibility
Drive foot traffic
Showcase your business
Receive social media promotion
Connect with the community - Nonprofits
Promote your mission
Increase awareness
Engage new supporters
Be featured on the festival map - Families & Residents
Show off your creativity
Meet your neighbors
Be part of a new community tradition
Compete for prizes
Festival Rules
The 80% Rule! At least 80% of every scarecrow must be created using:
- Repurposed materials
- Recycled materials
- Reclaimed materials
- Found objects
This unique requirement celebrates creativity while encouraging sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Register to Participate
Registration Fees
- Businesses: $20
- Nonprofits: $10
- Residents/Families: $10
Registration includes:
✔ Festival Map Listing
✔ Social Media Promotion
✔ Eligibility for Awards
✔ People's Choice Voting
Registration fees help support Penn State Schuylkill FBLA Collegiate students compete and participate in state and national competitions. Along with funding for the Schuylkill County Alzheimer's Organization. Register today!
Awards & Prizes
Award Categories
- Business
Best Business Scarecrow - Nonprofit
Community Spirit Award - Resident
Best Neighborhood Scarecrow - Overall
People's Choice Champion
Win Local Experiences
Prizes sponsored by Explore Schuylkill, including experiences at:
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
- Fighter's Heaven
- Hope Hill Lavender Farm
- Pioneer Tunnel
Festival Schedule
- August
Registration opens
Website launches
Participant recruitment begins - September
Create your scarecrow
Install displays
Festival maps released
Community workshops - October
Festival runs all month
Voting opens
Scavenger Hunt
Explore Southern Schuylkill County - November
Awards announced on November 12
Student Impact
The Schuylkill Scarecrow Festival is organized in partnership with Penn State Schuylkill FBLA Collegiate, providing students with hands-on experience in:
- Event planning
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Tourism promotion
- Community development
- Economic impact research
Students work alongside local businesses and nonprofit organizations to help organize, promote and evaluate the festival.
Presented By
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Businesses, nonprofits, families, community organizations and churches.
Where do I place my scarecrow?
Outside your home, business, organization or another approved public location.
How long does my display stay up?
Throughout the month of October.
Do I have to register?
Yes. Registration is required to appear on the festival map and to be eligible for awards and People's Choice voting.