Solvang kicks off the 13th Annual Scarecrow Fest this October

SOLVANG, Calif. -- The Scarecrow Fest began as a fun idea in 2010 -- to celebrate the autumn season in Solvang. It has now spread throughout surrounding cities as a fun competition between businesses.

The community votes every year between October 1st and 31st for the most decorative scarecrows.

The 2022 festival has modernized its voting with the use of QR codes and a digital voting system, as well as traditional paper maps and ballots to vote in six different categories: “Best Scarecrow Photo Op”, “Best Use of Recycled Materials,” “Best Use of Business Theme,” “Most Danish,” “Spookiest,” and “Most Humorous.”

The winner receives a handcrafted “Harvest Cup” trophy made by famed blacksmith Hans Duus. The business may keep the trophy on display until the following year’s winner.

Businesses pay $25 to compete and apply by Sept. 16.

For more on the Scarecrow Fest stay tuned for our 6 p.m. show tonight.