Scarecrow contest looks to scare up some fun this Halloween season

Visitors are encouraged to visit each business to view the scarecrows, take pictures, and request a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the downtown business of their choice. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Main Street, along with Holidays on the Hill, is bringing a fun and creative event to the downtown area: a scarecrow-building competition for local businesses.

Each participating business received an identical PVC frame to design their own scarecrow, allowing them to modify it with props and decorations.

The event is split into two parts: a raffle and a People's Choice Award. Visitors are encouraged to visit each business to view the scarecrows, take pictures, and request a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the downtown business of their choice.

The People's Choice Award will be determined via Facebook voting. Photos of each scarecrow will be posted on the Rochester Main Street Facebook page, and the scarecrow with the most likes by 1 p.m. on Saturday will win.

The winning business will receive a $200 cash prize.

Jeffrey Bisson of Rochester Main Street said he looks forward to the good-natured competition.

"Our business owners are some of the most creative people you will ever find and are committed to being part of our community," he said. We hope that as people go around seeing these scarecrows firsthand, they take the opportunity to support the businesses."

For more information, contact Jeffrey Bisson at jeffreybnh@aol.com or visit the event page on Facebook.