By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo’s Scarecrow Row made such a popular debut in 2020 that it is returning for Halloween again this year on Saturday, Oct. 28. The Halloween event is sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and Geneseo businesses.

David Smith, of Smith Studio and Gallery, and a member of the Geneseo Chamber’s Scarecrow Committee, said the Chamber is hoping to see 100 scarecrows this year in Geneseo City Park…”This growing event will be a spectacular way in which Geneseo can start the fall season of holidays while giving our children an experience full of memories.”

Families, organizations, clubs and businesses can begin planning for the Halloween scarecrow they may want to build

‘ Frames at which to build a scarecrow are available free of charge at the Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State St. in downtown Geneseo. Frames also are available at the Chamber of Commerce office located in City Hall.

For the first time this year, monetary prizes will be awarded for the three best scarecrows. A first place prize of $150 is offered with a second place prize of f$100 and a third place prize of $50. The prizes will be Geneseo gift cards from the Chamber of Commerce.

Completed scarecrows should be taken to the City Park by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at which time children can begin trick-or-treating. Businesses, club members or families may take their complete scarecrow to City Park, and a representative of the group can be dressed for the occasion and stand by their scarecrow to hand out candy as children walk through the Park, checking out the creative figures.

Smith said several families that have farms outside of the city have wanted to hand out candy at this event as they never se trick-or-treaters at their doors. “Anyone can participate by creating a scarecrow,” he added. “Passing out candy is a personal option…”Families, clubs and businesses should all consider being in the City Park if they would like to be a part of this happy celebration.”

Truck-or-treating will conclude at noon. The scarecrows will remain on exhibit through the afternoon so those people who want to see the Halloween event in a “quieter way” can visit the City Park. At 4 p.m., the scarecrows will be taken home by their owners and can be installed in their yards for a special Halloween decoration, as Halloween is Tuesday, Oct. 31.