Purdue University Northwest > Gabis Arboretum > Events and Programs > Trail of Scarecrows

Trail of Scarecrows

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 14th Annual Trail of Scarecrows!

2023 winners

Four scarecrows dressed up as characters: Jack and the bean stalk, gingerbread, Ursula and Shrek

School groups, scouts, businesses, families and other groups create scarecrows on display during October at the arboretum. Entries were on display from October 5 through October 31, Halloween!

Photos of the scarecrows are posted on social media, with guests voting for their favorites. Pictures with the most likes win!

Please review the guidelines below before registering.

Get your thinking caps on and get your entries in! This year’s theme is the Olympics.

You can create a scarecrow based on your favorite Olympic sport, Olympic memory, Olympian, team sport or mascot.

  • First prize: 10 free one-time use passes to the Gabis Arboretum
  • Second prize: 7 free one-time use passes to the Gabis Arboretum
  • Third prize: 5 free one-time use passes to the Gabis Arboretum
  • Any school class, group, business or family is welcome to participate.
  • Entries must be original and not pre-made.
  • Each entry must include a scarecrow name.
  • Gabis Arboretum will install all scarecrows.
  • Steel posts will be provided by the arboretum and will be capable of supporting the scarecrow in a freestanding or seated manner.
    • All scarecrow submissions must be backed by a 2×4 piece of wood to attach the base.
    • Scarecrow base will not exceed 3.5 ft in width or length.
    • Height is limited to 6 ft tall.
  • Do not include live plant material, mulch, Tiki torches, flammable objects or gas/electric powered generators with your entries.
  • Gabis Arboretum reserves the right to use photographs, school names, contact names and scarecrow names for publicity purposes.
  • Entries must be suited for viewing by small children. Entries that are controversial, commercial, political or graphic (sexual/gory/scary) in nature will not be accepted.
  • Three top winners will be chosen by popular vote from the public. Pictures of the scarecrow will be posted on Facebook and likes will count as votes.
  • Gabis Arboretum reserves the right to remove any scarecrow that deteriorates to an unacceptable level during the month. Please make your submission as weather-proof and indestructible as possible!
  • Gabis Arboretum is not responsible for loss or damage to scarecrows while on display or in the drop-off/pick-up areas. Please do not use valuable materials/objects as the scarecrows will not be monitored.

Scarecrow pick-up is November 1 through November 4. Any remaining scarecrows will be discarded.