It’s time to brainstorm those scary, silly, freaky, and frightening ideas for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s 12thAnnual Scarecrows on Parade! The Zoo invites schools, art classes, scouts, and individual classrooms to create their own one-of-a-kind scarecrow design for this year’s festivities. The Zoo provides the materials needed to build a scarecrow, and participants supply the design elements and creativity.
Scarecrows are showcased on Zoo grounds from October 14 to early November, and new scarecrows are accepted until October 21. All participating classrooms will receive complimentary children’s admission to the Zoo to view their creations on display (valid through December 1, 2019 and cannot be combined with other offers.) Guests will vote for their favoritesat the Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo” event on October 27.
Winners will be chosen in four categories: Best Traditional Harvest, Best Animal-related, Best Whimsical (Celebrity/Fantasy/Fun), and Best in Show.
“It’s amazing how creative and elaborate these creations get,” said Gregg Dancho, zoo director. “Every year we’re amazed at the way the children embrace the fun of creating their scarecrow. It’s a traditional Fall activity that never gets old!”
There is no cost to enter the competition, but the Zoo is seeking corporate sponsors for this fun filled event! A Classroom Sponsorship is $250, which will provide materials necessary for a classroom or local area program to design and enter a scarecrow. Additional sponsorship levels are available. All sponsors receive recognition on our website and e-newsletter, signage at your scarecrow, and two individual admission passes to the Zoo. To become a sponsor, contact Jessica Taylor at jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org. More information is available at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/scarecrow-competition.html.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $16.00, children (ages 3 -11) is $13.00, senior admission (62 and older) is just $81200, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 97thyear, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, Mexican and Red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarin. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, plus the Pampas Plains featuring maned wolves, Chacoan peccaries and Giant anteaters. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.