SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill FBLA Collegiate, in partnership with Penn State Schuylkill Art Space, and South Schuylkill Unified, has announced the launch of the inaugural Schuylkill Scarecrow Festival, a month-long community celebration of creativity, sustainability and local pride taking place throughout Southern Schuylkill County in October.
The family-friendly festival will transform communities across Southern Schuylkill County into an outdoor gallery of imaginative scarecrow displays created primarily from repurposed, reclaimed and recycled materials. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, families, community groups and residents are invited to participate by designing and displaying unique scarecrows at homes, businesses, churches, schools and public spaces.
With the theme "Create Something from Nothing," participants are encouraged to use materials they already have on hand — from old clothing and garden tools to pallets, milk cans, bicycle parts and other recycled items. Festival organizers require that at least 80% of each scarecrow be constructed from repurposed, reclaimed or recycled materials.
Unlike traditional one-day festivals, the Schuylkill Scarecrow Festival will be open throughout the month of October, allowing visitors to explore the displays at their own pace through a self-guided walking and driving tour.
In addition to viewing creative scarecrow displays, visitors will be able to discover local businesses and nonprofit organizations, visit community landmarks, participate in a scavenger hunt, vote for their favorite scarecrows, take photos and enjoy outdoor recreation while supporting the local economy.
"The Schuylkill Scarecrow Festival is designed to celebrate the creativity and character of our communities while bringing people together,” said Lisa Robinson, business lecturer and FBLA Collegiate adviser at Penn State Schuylkill. "It is an opportunity to showcase Southern Schuylkill County, encourage tourism, support local organizations and create an event that can continue to grow each year.”
The festival also serves as an experiential learning opportunity for Penn State Schuylkill students. Through the partnership with the campus' FBLA Collegiate chapter, students will gain hands-on experience in marketing, event planning, public relations, tourism promotion, community development and economic impact research while helping organize, promote and evaluate the festival.
Businesses, nonprofits and residents who register will receive placement on the official festival map, social media promotion, eligibility for awards and participation in People's Choice voting.
Registration fees are:
- Businesses: $20
- Nonprofit organizations: $10
- Residents and families: $10
Proceeds from registration will benefit a local charity selected with input from Penn State Schuylkill FBLA students and help support the festival's awards celebration.
Registration opens in August, with scarecrow construction and display beginning in September. Judging and People's Choice voting will take place throughout October, with displays featured from Oct. 1 to 31.
Participants will compete for awards in several categories, including Best Business Scarecrow, Community Spirit Award for nonprofit organizations, Best Neighborhood Scarecrow and the overall People's Choice Champion. Prize packages, sponsored by Explore Schuylkill, include family experiences at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Fighter's Heaven, Pioneer Tunnel and a gift certificate to Hope Hill Lavender Farm.
Festival organizers envision the Schuylkill Scarecrow Festival becoming an annual tradition that celebrates creativity, sustainability and community while encouraging visitors to explore Southern Schuylkill County.
For additional information, registration details, and the official festival map, visit this link.