This year’s gang includes Olaf, Dolly, Charlie Brown, and even Forky. The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport Scarecrows have taken their places, and voting opens today.
A gallery featuring all scarecrows can be accessed HERE. Votes can be cast on Connect-Bridgeport. From your mobile device, the poll is located below. Scroll until you see it.
The scarecrow that receives the most votes will be awarded the ABB’s traveling plaque, which can be displayed at the business until next year’s contest. Taking the honor in 2025 was Advantage Tech’s wizard with 27.5 percent of the votes.
The 16th annual contest is coordinated by Hilary Gonzalez, ABB treasurer and Real Estate & Closing Manager for Kaufman Realty & Auctions WV.
“The ABB really enjoys this event because our businesses truly have so much fun participating in it,” Gonzalez said. “Personally, it has been such a pleasure overseeing it because of the sheer excitement it brings to the businesses designing their scarecrows and the community participation in not only viewing the scarecrows but voting on them as well.”
In addition to the People’s Choice Award, a winner will be chosen by a panel of judges comprised of non-partial ABB members. Last year, CC Signs & Graphics’ Bigfoot Ballerina received that honor.
Although winners will be named, the main purpose of the display/contest is to create a whimsical downtown corridor for people to enjoy.
Online voting ends Oct. 30. The winners will be announced on Oct. 31. The rules of the contest are one vote per person. Voters must be registered users of the Connect-Bridgeport website. To create an account, simply choose the “Sign Up” tab on the top of the page. Each registered user may cast just one vote. (This is a friendly competition between businesses and a fun activity for residents. Please don’t try to manipulate the system and cast more than one vote each.)
All scarecrows must be removed by the first weekend in November, except for the winning scarecrows, which will remain on display throughout the work week. Plaques will be awarded at Light up Night, Thurs., Dec. 3.
Click on the gallery link to view the scarecrows and cast your vote on the poll.
“Trick or Treat with the Scarecrows” will take place 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Families will walk a designated path along Main Street sidewalks, collecting candy at each scarecrow. Members of Bridgeport Police Department will be stationed at crosswalks.
The Bridgeport Visitors Center at 103 West Main Street will host a food drive for Shepherd’s Corner, and s’mores making will be available in partnership with the CVB and Rominger Dental. Also, between 4-5:30 p.m., refreshments will be served at the Benedum Civic Center where you can also vote for your favorite carved pumpkin.
The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport is an active organization which focuses on connecting Bridgeport businesses and building a strong business community. Any business that pays business and occupation tax in the City of Bridgeport is eligible for membership in the ABB by paying $95 annual dues and filling out paperwork. Contact Gonzalez at hilary@kaufmanrealty.com or 304-677-1970. Membership includes participation in the annual Scarecrow Contest, Light Up Night and Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival.