🍁 Show your creativity and have some fun! 🍁 Tulsa Botanic Garden invites you to participate in one of our most cherished traditions—the Scarecrow Challenge! Whether you’re an individual artist or part of a “spirited group,” we encourage you to reinvent the classic scarecrow and let your imagination soar amidst the fall foliage, our seasonal pumpkin patch, and the beautiful Garden setting.
Think Beyond the Overalls!
🍂 Let the essence of autumn magic inspire you as you build your entry for our annual Scarecrow Challenge display and competition. There are no boundaries to your creativity—think big, small, traditional, or avant-garde. Whether your creation is human, non-human, abstract, or classic, let your imagination run wild with the spirit of the season!
🎃 Gather your friends, family, students, colleagues, and kindred spirits to embark on this delightful autumn adventure at the Botanic Garden. Sip on hot cider, enjoy pumpkin-spiced treats, and soak in the seasonal splendor. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a first-time participant, this is your chance to be part of a beloved Tulsa tradition and maybe score some bragging rights with your winning Scarecrow!
Join us and let’s make this year’s Scarecrow Challenge an unforgettable experience for everyone! 🍁🎃
Key Dates to Remember
- Registration Opens: Mon., Aug. 19
- Registration Closes: Fri. Sept. 13
- Installation: 30min windows, Mon., Sept. 16, Tue., Sept. 17, & Wed., Sept. 18
- On-Display: Sept. 19-Oct. 31
- Voting Closes: EOD Oct. 31
- Winners Announced: Sat., Nov. 2
- Pick-Up: 30min windows, Mon., Nov. 4 & Tues., Nov. 5
Registration Fee
- $30 per entry. Includes set-up assistance and removal assistance.
Prizes and Awards
- People’s Choice Award will be determined by votes from visitors to the Garden – $200 prize and free entry for 2025.
- Best in Show will also receive a $200 prize and free entry for 2025.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Your entry must be able to live outdoors for the 6-week run of Autumn in the Garden. Please keep Oklahoma weather in mind when designing and engineering your scarecrow. Attach everything very firmly and avoid using materials and items that may blow away easily. Please, do not use hot glue to adhere décor to your scarecrow.
- We ask that ALL scarecrows be family-friendly. People from all walks of life and of all ages visit the Garden, and we want everyone to have a pleasant experience. Please use your best judgement and keep political and religious messaging out of your entry.
- Scarecrows will be anchored in place using a t-post and zip ties provided by the Garden. Garden staff will determine placement and installation of each scarecrow. Signage will be provided that will list your name (or group or business name) along with your scarecrow’s title. If staff deems your scarecrow to be unfit to withstand the outdoors, we reserve the right to remove your scarecrow.
MATERIALS TO AVOID: paper, cardboard, glass, perishable goods, appliances, commercial costumes, rubber or plastic masks, and hot glue.
Questions and concerns regarding any special considerations can be directed to Nick Nazarian.
REGISTRATION OPENS Monday, August 19.
