ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Young and old, couples, friends, families, students, everyone is encouraged to get those creative juices flowing as the Orange Beach Art Center is preparing for the first annual scarecrow building contest.

Thursday, Oct. 22 is the date to come out to this free event and build your own scarecrow. The fun will begin at 4 p.m.

“This is the first time we have ever done this here at the Art Center and really hope that it becomes an annual tradition here on the island,” said Wanda Price, Art Center Coordinator. “This is a free event, although we will take donations for the Art Center if someone would like to make a donation. But it is a great opportunity for friends, families, even businesses, if they wanted to, to come out and build a scarecrow.”

According to Price, supplies provided by the “Friends of the Arts” will include the scarecrow frames, pumpkin heads, paint for the faces, hay to stuff the scarecrows, rubber bands and other essentials to put the works of art together.

“Those who participate will need to bring the costume for the scarecrow to wear,” Price said.

That is where the contest could really get interesting.

“Contestants can dress their scarecrow up like their favorite local politician, or a celebrity, or the President.  Who knows? Whatever anybody can dream up.”

Price got the idea for the scarecrow building competition from another Art Center director who was in a similar situation.

“We are kind of buried back here and people who have lived here forever often don’t even realize that we have this nice facility. So this was done in Georgia, and it helped to bring families in and call attention to the Art Center their and we hope it will do the same thing here.”

Price hopes that next year, the contest can take place earlier in the month so that the scarecrow creations can be displayed all around Orange Beach.

There will be prizes given in several categories as well as an overall winner.

Following the contest, this year’s scarecrows will remain on display for one week at the Art Center, after which time contestants can come and take their creations home to be part of their Halloween decorations.

At 5:30 there will be a special glass blowing demonstration just for the scarecrow builders. Robert Jones, a Seattle glass artist visiting the Hot Shop, is going to wow the children and adults with a giant glass bubble “explosion”.  

Those interested in participating in the competition must RSVP by Oct. 16 in order to reserve their scarecrow building kit.

Hot Dogs, chips and drinks will be served for three dollars.

You may contact the Orange Beach Art Center by calling 251-981-2787 to RSVP.