The Mirfield Show

Scarecrow Competition

You are invited to take part in this year′s Build A Scarecrow Competition, with the judging taking place on the afternoon of Mirfield Agricultural Show, with prizes for first, second and third.

You could make a scarecrow of one of the county′s sporting heros, scientists, literary figures or even a scarecrow representing our agricultural past. Whether you fancy creating a Harry Potter character, politician or an Eastenders scarecrow, there is so much scope and you can be as creative as you like to make a scarecrow representing life in Yorkshire, or anywhere else that takes your fancy. The choice is entirely yours! Be as imaginative as you want...

If your family, school class, team, group of friends or you as an individual are interested in making a scarecrow then all you have to do is fill in an Scarecrow Competition Entry Form by 13th August 2011 and send it to safenton@hotmail.co.uk or posted to Mirfield Show Scarecrows, 26 Farrar Avenue, Mirfield WF14ED to arrive by 13th August 2011.

Entry is free but it is important that you send in your entry form on time so that we can make sure that we reserve a space for your scarecrow.

Scarecrow Competition 2011 Prizes

There are great cash prizes and rosettes for winning scarecrows;

1st Prize - £25 2nd Prize - £15 3rd Prize £10

These prizes are sponsored by horticulturalist David Hudson at Westfield Nurseries on Shillbank Lane, Mirfield. Judging and the award of prizes will be on Showday – Sunday 22st August 2011.

Scarecrow Competition 2011 Information

Scarecrows must be brought to the show by 11.00 am at the latest on the morning of the show - so that you will have plenty of time to set them up them before judging is due to start. Please remember that your scarecrow will need to be taken home at 4 o′clock. Anyone can enter, you do not have to live in Mirfield, and entry is absolutely free!

How To Build A Scarecrow

Originally used by farmers to keep birds away from important crops, in times gone by they were very much part of the landscape. Scarecrows are not expensive to make, and you can have fun by easily making a scarecrow from everyday items that are lying about the house, they can be as crazy or silly as you like. This easy set of instructions may be of help in making your scarecrow, and remember it requires no more complicated skill other than cutting and tying.

What you might need:

• 1 stake about 2m long (6ft) for the body
• 1 stake about 1m long (3ft) for the arms
• 1 stake about 30cm long (1ft) for the body/waist
• Material to make the scarecrow′s clothes
• An old pair of tights or similar
• Some straw or other lightweight material that will stand up to rain (just in case)
• String
• Fabric or waterproof paint for the facial features

For more useful ideas, download the guide on How To Build A Scarecrow and the Scarecrow Information Sheet.

More Fun Scarecrow Things

To get yourself in the mood why not download and colour in the Scarecrow Colouring In Sheets, read the Scarecrow Poems and find out more with A Brief History of Scarecrows.

Scarecrow Competition Results

Scarecrow Competition Results 2011

1st - Charlie Chaplin - by Katie Preaux  
2nd - Dunn Scaring  - by The Brook Family  
3rd - King James I - by Jane Yelland

Scarecrow Competition Results 2010

1st - Bob the Builder - by Katie Ashford & family

2nd - Alice of Alice in Wonderland - by the Townend family

3rd - Pirate Pete - by the Reception Class at Crowlees J & I School

Scarecrow Competition Results 2009

1st - Amy Winehouse - by Matilda Pearce and family

2nd - Mr. Hardcastle - by Mrs Bentham′s Reception Class at Crowlees School

3rd - Miss Coady - by Mrs. Fernandez′s Reception Class at Crowlees School