VOTING IS OPEN FOR THE ABB 2024 SCARECROW CONTEST. CAST YOUR VOTE HERE.

A couple dozen Bridgeport businesses have confirmed participation in the 2024 Main Street scarecrow display and contest, sponsored by the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport.

 All dues-paying ABB member businesses are invited to register to display a scarecrow. For those new to the contest, the ABB provides fair warning that competition is steep as businesses annually create some unique scarecrow characters. Scarecrows pertaining to the business, or to pop culture, or simply the Halloween season will be out in full force within the next week.

Scarecrows must be constructed from durable materials that will endure weather and should be between five and six feet tall. They should be secured to the light post facing oncoming traffic. Zip ties are recommended for attaching to the light post.

Displays must be completed by Monday, Oct. 7. The attached form should be filled out and returned as soon as possible so that a location can be assigned. All ABB member businesses with 2024-2025 dues ($95) paid by today, Oct. 1, are eligible for participation. (Reach out to Hilary Blankenship 304-677-1970 if you are interested in joining the ABB.)

Photos of all scarecrows will be taken the week of Oct. 7 and posted to Connect-Bridgeport where a voting poll will be open Oct. 10 through Oct. 30. The people’s choice winner will be announced on Halloween, Thurs., Oct. 31.

Last year, 30 businesses participated in the display/contest. Ford Funeral Home pulled out the popular vote for its likeness of “Phil Dye the Fire Guy,” a popular local personality and former city fireman (pictured above). In the judges’ choice award, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation claimed first place for its Titantic display (pictured below.)

“Trick or Treat with the Scarecrows” will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Community members will walk a designated path along Main Street sidewalks, collecting candy at each scarecrow. Crosswalks will be manned by members of Bridgeport Police Department. From 6-7 p.m., a party will be held at the Benedum Civic Center.

“The scarecrow display has been popular for the past several years, so of course we wanted to continue that tradition,” said Hilary Gonzalez of the ABB Board. “We decided to kick it up a notch with the trick-or-treat event, giving local families a reason to dress up in costume and see the scarecrows up close and business hosts a chance to interact with the community.”

Except for the winning scarecrow, displays must be removed by Friday, Nov. 1. As always, the winner will be recognized at the city’s annual Light Up Night.