IT’S BACK! Social distancing friendly, and just what we all need!
Lee County Parks and Recreation has approved a social-distancing friendly version of Scarecrows in the Park. This event has been re-imagined as a walk-through exhibit. At the heart of it, as always, is the community coming together – businesses, families, clubs, associations, youth groups, you name it – to help raise funds that help the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation to enhance the beauty and experience of our beloved park.
With tourism revenue down due to the global pandemic, it is now more important than ever to support our outdoor spaces. This year, the Foundation has simplified the exhibit requirements, slashed registration fees, and for the first time in Scarecrows history, we’ve made it possible and affordable for families to enter the competition.
Competition Key Dates, Details, Guidelines, and Rules Flyer
REGISTRATION LINK – click here for registration form
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 16th 2020
Registration now open for “Scarecrows in the Park: American Heroes Edition”
Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 4, 2020 – The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation invites the Southwest Florida community to participate in its 11th annual “Scarecrows in the Park” competition. Entries will be exhibited Oct. 24-31 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.
Registration Details
- This year’s competition has been re-imagined, incorporating CDC guidelines for social distancing.
- All entries must consist of a single scarecrow figure attached securely to a pole or post, dressed as an “American Hero”.
- Entries must be brought to the park fully assembled – there will be no on-site assembly.
- Installation and takedown will occur by appointment to facilitate social distancing.
- Entries will be spaced throughout the Children’s Garden to enable social distancing among guests to the exhibit.
Competition Key Dates, Details, Guidelines, and Rules Flyer
REGISTRATION LINK – click here for registration form
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 16th 2020
Judging
The VIP portion of the competition will be judged by local celebrities in a “secret shopper” manner, while the People’s Choice portion will be judged by the public online via “likes” on the Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram channels. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each portion of the competition. Proceeds will benefit park-enhancing projects and programs funded and managed by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation.
Family fun at Lakes park
“This Scarecrows in the Park exhibit will be a good way to bring families together, to create some old-fashioned fun,” said Robin Baum, Vice President of the Foundation. “During this pandemic we haven’t had the opportunity to do a lot as a community. We’re hoping everyone will come out and display their favorite American Hero and have some fun while doing it”.
“Scarecrows in the Park has been a highlight of the fall season for the past 10 years”, said Marsha Asp, one of the Foundation’s Directors. “This year, families can build an American Hero scarecrow which will be a fun family activity, then share it with others and know they are contributing to Lakes Park. What a great idea!”
The deadline for competition registration is Oct. 16. Families, businesses, youth groups and other organizations interested in participating should visit the links above.
