Registration now open for “Scarecrows in the Park: American Heroes Edition”

Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 15, 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.
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.
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.
“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 email the Foundation’s Executive Director Erin White at [email protected] or visit www.lakespark.org for further information.