The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting area businesses to decorate the village's downtown and compete for Best Scarecrow in a new contest.

The village's seasonal petunia pots have been removed, leaving room for new fall decorations. Businesses can adopt a light pole and attach a three-dimensional scarecrow of their own design.

The chamber directs "These decorations would either be attached to the lamp posts or [placed in] storefront windows... Consider using straw as a base for a seated figure." The area designated for the contest is on Main Street from The Centre at Bluffton to Hair Emporium, and including Cherry St. to Blended Roots, Jefferson St. to Tommy's Plaza, Vance Street, and Vine St.

In the attached document, the chamber provides guidance on materials and weather-proofing, dimensions, and other requirements.

The duration of the contest is October 1-November 1. Scarecrows must be installed by October 7. The chamber may use photographs and stories about scarecrows for publicity and promotion.

Businesses interested in participating should contact Liz Gordon-Hancock at [email protected].