Registration deadline Sept. 24 for Scarecrows in the Park

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation invites the Southwest Florida community to participate in its 12th annual “Scarecrows in the Park” competition. Entries will be exhibited Oct. 15 – 31 throughout the Children’s Garden at Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.

Families, associations, clubs, businesses, community groups, scout groups, youth groups and individuals are encouraged to compete.

This year’s competition is “Easier, simpler and Just as Much Fun”! Like last year all entries are to consist of a single scarecrow figure attached securely to a pole or post, dressed as “Your favorite Book Character.” Entries must be brought to the park fully assembled. Takedown will occur on Sunday, Oct. 31 after 3 p.m. or Monday, Nov. 1 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entries will be spaced throughout the Children’s Garden. The VIP portion of the competition will be judged by local celebrities on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 6 p.m., while the People’s Choice portion will be judged by the public voting.

“This Scarecrows in the Park exhibit will be a good way to bring families together, to create some old-fashioned fun,” said Marsha Asp, a foundation director, “This year will be “easier, simpler and just as much fun!”

Proceeds will benefit park-enhancing projects and programs funded and managed by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation.

 “Scarecrows in the Park has been a highlight of the fall season for the past 10 years. This year, families can build a favorite book character which will be a fun, family activity,” says Asp.

The deadline for competition registration is Sept. 24. Families, businesses, youth groups and other organizations interested in participating should email the foundation at INFO@LakesPark.org. Go to www.Lakespark.org for more information and registration forms.