Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for its 15th year. Spooky Scarecrow is this year’s design theme. Participants can recreate a scarecrow version of their favorite spooky Halloween character for display at the Morris Arboretum.

Scarecrows will be on display throughout the arboretum from October 1 through October 31. Visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners. The top three scarecrow designs win a cash prize—top prize is $250. Visitors can wear a costume for trick-or-treating along the scarecrow walk October 29 and 30 from 1-3 p.m.

The design contest registration deadline is Thursday, September 22. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Supplies can be picked up through September 25. Pickup of the scarecrow frame, straw, burlap and twine occurs at the arboretum’s front gate during public hours.

Scarecrows can be dropped off September 26-27 at the Bloomfield Farm, directly across from the entrance to the arboretum.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.morrisarboretum.org/events_scarecrow.shtml.