The Halloween spirit rises early at the McPolin Farm during the annual Scarecrow Festival.

This year’s event is scheduled to run from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, said Insa Riepen, a member of Friends of the Farm, a volunteer and advisory group that fosters the community use of the McPolin Farm property.

“This is a two-hour mayhem event where families and individuals can build their own scarecrows,” she said. “Once they are finished, we will put them up along the trail behind the farm, and we have room for 45 scarecrows.”

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Registration is now open by visiting tinyurl.com/mr35f4eh, and two ticket types — non-event and event — are available, according to Riepen.

This is a two-hour mayhem event where families and individuals can build their own scarecrows.” Insa Riepen, Friends of the Farm member

Non-event tickets are $25 each and include a support, display packet, straw stuffing and corn stalks that people can use when they make their scarecrows at home or at the farm.

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One scarecrow supply per non-event ticket will be available for pickup the day of the event at the farm, Riepen said.

Event tickets, for $45, are available for groups of four, and include the above plus the access to pumpkin painting, face-painting, cookies and cider.

“We have straw for stuffing, and the support structures, from which you can hang your fantastic creations,” she said. “All you need to do is bring your own costumes to dress your scarecrows.”

Families and individuals can name their scarecrows and put their names on tags to show who made them, Riepen said.

“We don’t allow business or political advertising,” she said. “And we ask people to leave their dogs at home when they come to participate in the event.”

Completed Scarecrow Festival creations that were made at the event or at home will be showcased on the trail through Oct. 28, depending on the weather.

“At that time, people can take the scarecrows back to their homes as part of their own Halloween decorations,” Riepen said. 

Since there is limited parking at McPolin Farm and no parking or drop off on S.R. 224, Riepen asks Scarecrow Festival goers to take advantage of public transit.

“Since the festival will be held outside, we hope people will dress accordingly, because the festival will be held rain or shine,” she said.