Monterey’s Scarepoles Return As A Community Decorating Contest

A unique type of scarecrow comes out each fall in Monterey.

The town’s Scarepoles return after a successful inaugural event last year. Aldermen Amy Martin said each participant is assigned a utility pole which serves as the starting point to build a unique scarecrow.

“The best thing that it does is bring smiles to all of the community, and people that are passing through our town,” Martin said. “All of the citizens feel a part of the town and the community.”

Martin said a community vote for the best decorations is being planned. Martin said a local business will provide gift cards to the top three finalists.

“Last year, we did not do a contest,” Martin said. “This year, Chris Landers has volunteered so much and given us so much to work with. John Jernigan offered us a field also that we have been cutting cornstalks. Chris Landers this year was generous enough to offer first, second and third place prizes in the form of a gift card at Landers Trade.”

Martin said over 30 businesses or individuals have already joined the contest. Martin said the deadline to compete comes October 8th.

“Simply Divine Saloon they plan to do Edward Scissorhands, and then there is a cute one from Cumberland Lakes of a fisherman, and he’s caught a boot,” Martin said. “We plan to do one at the VFW, and C E Designers has a man coming out of a manhole.”

Martin said many others have already displayed their decorations. Martin said so far, the event has been well received with many residents and drivers stopping for pictures and admiring the work.