Illinois State University’s Horticulture Center is looking for 100 scarecrows to help celebrate 100 years of agriculture at the University. Entries are now being accepted for the sixth annual “Scarecrows on Parade” display that will be held during the Horticulture Center’s annual Autumnal Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The exhibition of original, one-of-a kind scarecrows is an opportunity for local businesses, organizations, university departments, individuals and families to showcase their own unique work and talent, while at the same time capturing the flavor of the autumn season in Central Illinois. The event will also be a part of the centennial celebration for Illinois State’s Department of Agriculture.
“Scarecrows on Parade” is a fundraiser for the Children’s Garden at the Horticulture Center. Scarecrows will be auctioned off during a silent auction at the Autumnal Festival on Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Horticulture Center will provide a steel post to secure scarecrows while on display. It is suggested that scarecrows be built around a central PVC pipe that can fit over the steel post. There is no entry fee, but applications are due by Friday, Sept. 23. Scarecrows must be fully assembled and brought to the back side of the Ropp Agricultural Building (Room 108) on Wednesday, Sept. 28, between 3-7 p.m.
For information on applications phone (309) 438-3496, e-mail horticulture@ilstu.edu or visit www.horticulturecenter.ilstu.edu and click the Autumnal Festival link. The Horticulture Center is located off Raab Road in Normal, across from the Corn Crib baseball stadium. Off-street parking is available.
