Photo: The Crove Food Co. rendering of Guy Fieri in 2022. Shannon McFarlin photo.
Paris, Tenn.–When October rolls around, you might see some unusual characters around the Henry County Courthouse lawn. Some will make you laugh, some might even be a little on the creepy side and others will wow you with their creativity.
The annual event is sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association. Each scarecrow is vying for the chance to be recognized as a winner for awards such as People’s Choice, Most Original, Best Constructed, Best in Show and Honorable Mention.
DPA Director Tara Wilson said, “This is the ninth year for this event. It is a great opportunity to let our businesses and organization’s creativity take hold and have some fun! Anyone can participate!” On most any day after the scarecrows are set up, you can see people walking around the courthouse lawn admiring the work and taking pictures with the variety of displays.
Carly Wheat, DPA Committee chair, said, “Scarecrows will be judged after setup. They will be judged on originality, construction, and presentation. Cash prizes will be awarded for People’s Choice, Most Original, Best Constructed, Best in Show and Honorable Mention. The People’s Choice will be judged by the public on the Downtown Paris Association Facebook page. Winners will be announced via Facebook. We encourage everyone to visit downtown and stroll around the court square, it is quite entertaining!”
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, Scarecrows on the Square offers a delightful experience that captures the heart of the season. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures of life and the power of coming together to create something truly special.
Scarecrows on the Square are on display for the entire month of October. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to show off your scarecrow constructing skills this year! Entry fee is only $25. Deadline to enter is September 25. Setup begins October 1. Follow the Downtown Paris Association on Facebook or visit www.visitdowntownparis.com for more information. Email downtownparistn@gmail.com for an application.