Scarecrow design contest featured in fall slate of events
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is getting in the spirit of fall with a set of upcoming events.
Along with its semiannual citywide garage sale and annual downtown fall festival scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 17, the chamber has organized a new event this year -- a scarecrow design contest for local elementary school and middle school students.
In the contest, elementary students can create a 2-D scarecrow, while middle school students can design a 2-D or 3-D scarecrow that will be displayed in the windows of downtown businesses from Sept. 19 through the end of October.
"They'll be displayed through the end of October to help decorate downtown for fall," FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.
Three winners in the scarecrow design contest -- a winner in the 2-D category at both the elementary and middle school level, and a winner in the 3-D category at the middle school level -- will win $50 each. Madison said the first 40 entries will receive an art-themed "goody bag" containing paints, markers and other items donated by various business owners and the Bourbon County Arts Council.
The contest is designed to "help promote art and family time, and creativity through schools" and is open to students in all local elementary and middle schools, Madison said.
Elementary students can create 2-D scarecrows -- drawings or paintings on 18-by-24 inch -- or smaller -- poster board and then decorated. Students can also cut their artwork out if they choose. Middle school students can create 2-D or 3-D scarecrows. If the student chooses to make a 3-D scarecrow, he or she is encouraged to use found or recycled materials to avoid the need for purchasing several supplies to make the artwork, Madison said.
Madison said the idea for the contest stemmed from a recent "meet and greet" involving downtown business owners and others interested in the downtown area. During the quarterly meetings, participants can network and share ideas about the downtown area.
Paper for 2-D scarecrows is available at the Lowell Milken Center, life+style, Shelter Insurance, and the chamber office, or students may use their own paper. Early submissions can be made at these locations as well. Entry deadline is Sept. 17. Submissions can be made that day at the Farmers' Market during the fall festival.
For entry forms or more information, contact the chamber at (620) 223-3566.
The downtown fall festival, scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 17, will include a variety of activities, including sidewalk sales conducted by some downtown businesses, the Fort Scott Farmers' Market, and entertainment for children such as bounce houses, Harkey the Clown from Fredonia and alpacas for petting. Mallory Allen with Shelter Insurance will be serving free hot dogs in the grassy area at the corner of Wall and Main streets.
Attendees may also register at various downtown stores for a chance to win a $50 shopping spree that is being given away, Madison said.
The 2011 fall citywide garage sale is slated to begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. The chamber is currently accepting entries for garage sale listings. Sales can be registered for inclusion by visiting the chamber office or Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main St. Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 14.
There will be a $10 charge for each listing. Maps will be available at the chamber office and Country Cupboard on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17.
Madison said there were 40 entries in the citywide garage sale held in the spring.