Downtown Oak Harbor Scarecrow Contest

Fall is coming to Downtown Oak Harbor, and we’re inviting our community to help us decorate!

Businesses, organizations, clubs, families, and individuals are invited to get creative and build a scarecrow for the 2026 Downtown Oak Harbor Scarecrow Contest. Whether your scarecrow is funny, traditional, creative, or completely one-of-a-kind, we can’t wait to see what you come up with!

There is NO fee to enter!

Scarecrows will be displayed throughout Downtown Oak Harbor from

September 27 through November 2, 2026.

How It Works

Participants must pre-register their scarecrow to be eligible for prizes.

All scarecrows must be in place by September 27. You are welcome to put yours up earlier! Once your scarecrow is displayed, send a photo to the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce through Facebook or email.

If you have a downtown business or residence, your scarecrow may be displayed in front of your location. If you are located outside of downtown, don’t worry — the Chamber will help assign you a downtown display location.

Community Voting

Voting begins September 28 and continues through October 14.
The community will vote online through a scarecrow photo album on the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Winners will be announced Friday, October 16, following the Oak Harbor Apple Festival.

Prizes

1st Place — $100 Chamber Gift Certificate
2nd Place — $75 Chamber Gift Certificate
3rd Place — $25 Chamber Gift Certificate

A Few Important Rules

Scarecrows should be family-friendly and appropriate for public display. Adult, political, violent, or gruesome themes are not permitted.
Displays should be sturdy enough to withstand fall weather and must stand on their own.
Scarecrows may not be attached to Village property or someone else’s property. A weighted 5-gallon bucket, wooden stand, or similar freestanding display works great.
Participants are responsible for maintaining their scarecrow throughout the contest.
All displays must be removed by their creators by November 2, 2026.

Ready to Enter?

Complete the official entry form and return it to the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce by:

September 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce
161 W. Water Street
Oak Harbor, OH 43449

Email: chamber@oakharborohio.net
Phone: 419-898-0479

Grab some straw, get creative, and help us fill Downtown Oak Harbor with scarecrows this fall!