MUSCATINE, IOWA (October 20, 2020) — Following fall tradition, many local residents are busy creating scarecrows and Jack-o-Lanterns to decorate their own homes while others in the Muscatine area are preparing to enter their creations in The Muscatine Art Center’s first competition. Approximately 10 scarecrows and two dozen carved pumpkins will be displayed at 1314 Mulberry between October 29 and November 1. Visitors to The Muscatine Art Center will be able to vote for their favorites in person while online voting will take place on Facebook. The Jack-o-Lantern and scarecrow with the most votes will win a cash prize.
“The staff began planning the competition in August because there was uncertainty around trick-or-treating and other Halloween related events,” explains Muscatine Art Center Director, Melanie Alexander. “We wanted to offer the community an experience that took place outdoors and allowed families to drop by over a longer period of time compared to a traditional event.”
The Jack-o-Lanterns will be displayed in the Prayer of Peace courtyard while the scarecrows will be installed on the grounds. Visitors are welcome to walk through the displays on October 29, 10AM-7PM; October 30, 10AM-4PM; and October 31 and November 1, 1-4PM.
In-person voting is encouraged. In-person votes will be calculated at five times the value of an online vote. To in-person vote, visitors will need to stop by the front desk for voting stickers. Online voting is open on The Muscatine Art Center’s Facebook page from October 29 through November 1.
“There are so many creative individuals and families in our community,” explains Katy Loos, Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator. “We are so excited to see all of entries, especially since this is our first year running the competition.”
Admission to The Muscatine Art Center is free of charge. The Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm donated pumpkins while Latta Pump and Well donated PVC pipe and connectors for the base of the scarecrows.
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:AM-4PM; Thursday evenings until 7PM; and Saturday and Sunday, 1-4PM. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events.
