Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest kicks off on Sunday

The fifth annual Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest is underway in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Decorative and traditional scarecrows have lined the streets of Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Ballard, Los Almos and Los Olivos.

The festival began as a yearly tradition in Solvang 8 years ago and has since spread to the surrounding towns in the valley.

Dozens of businesses participate in the annual event which features silly scarecrows and lifelike mannequins.

The scarecrows can be found outside of Santa Ynez Valley businesses throughout the month of October.

Passersby can find a map, check out each scarecrow and vote for their favorites.

Once each community crowns their best scarecrow, the winners will move onto the “Harvest Cup” with the valley’s top scarecrow to be recognized in November.

For more information about the festival — and to see each town’s individual voting criteria — visit the Santa Ynez Scarecrow Fest website .