Downtown Newark is about to get a lot more festive — and maybe a little spooky — as the village kicks off its first-ever Scarecrow Decorating Contest this October.
The new tradition is part of Fall for Newark, a season-long series of community events celebrating local pride, creativity, and everything autumn.
Local businesses, schools, organizations, and residents are invited to design and display seasonal scarecrows throughout downtown. Set-up runs from October 6 to October 12, and entries will stay up through November 2.
Mayor Jonathan Taylor said the idea builds on the success of Newark’s winter celebration, Home for the Holidays.
“We wanted to keep building on that momentum,” Taylor said. “The Scarecrow Decorating Contest is another way to bring people downtown and highlight the spirit that makes Newark special.”
How to enter
Registration forms are available in person at Katie Pullen: Allstate Insurance, 119 E. Union St. or online at: https://bit.ly/ScarecrowForm.
Prizes will be awarded in categories like Most Creative, Funniest, and Best Business Display.
The contest was proposed by Kaitlyn Ruffalo of First Choice Electric, whose idea was welcomed by the event planning committee.
“One of the best things about Newark is how new voices keep our traditions strong,” Mayor Taylor added.
Fall for Newark event lineup
In addition to the scarecrow displays, the village has a full calendar of fall events, including:
- Autumn on the Erie – October 3
- Maroon & Gray Day – October 10
- Spooktacular Art Show – October 17–18, hosted by Wayne County Council for the Arts
- Residential Halloween Display Contest – October 22–29
- AECC Family Halloween Party – October 30
- AECC Student Halloween Lock-In – October 31
- Trunk or Treat at Central Park – October 31, hosted by the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Newark Chamber of Commerce
Organizers encourage everyone to stroll downtown, enjoy the displays, and share photos using #FallForNewark.
For full details or to get involved, visit www.villageofnewarkny.gov or call the Village Office at (315) 331-4770.
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