Habitat for Humanity to hold scarecrow contest

Registration deadline set for Sept. 20

The deadline for the 2nd annual Colorado County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) scarecrow contest is fast approaching, with entries due by Friday, Sept.20.

The contests proceeds raise money for benefiting the CCHFH’s Critical Home Repairs and Homebuyers programs, aiding homeowners with affordable repairs or potential homebuyers with affordable and responsible housing.

Charmaine Katz, Executive Director of the CCHFH, says besides the fundraising goal of the scarecrow contest, the month-long display is there to “bring businesses together” and bring families and tourists to downtown Columbus by having something “to look at, think and talk about, take pictures of.”

“We wanted to do something festive,” said Katz. “Where people can gather and enjoy. It also promotes the spirit of friendly competition.”

Katz says the first edition of the contest was a huge success, finding that businesses all over Columbus, not just downtown Columbus, wanted to get involved. Since the organization is named Colorado County Habitat for Humanity, Katz thought to open up the contest to the entirety of the county.

“What we found last year was it was not just the businesses in downtown Columbus that participated, but other businesses participated across Columbus as well,” said Katz. “Since we are Colorado County Habitat for Humanity, why not open it up to Colorado County?”

The competition according to Katz is open to anybody that wants to participate, with different fees ranging for nonprofits, families and individuals. Those fees in turn go to “supporting” the habitats vision of a “world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Despite scarecrows typically being associated with Halloween, Katz says the competition is not restrictive to the types of scarecrows, with the past year’s submissions ranging from sports themed scarecrows to a scarecrow dressed as a tooth fairy.

“We want to have the scarecrows out for October for the enjoyment of the community and the spirit of competition,” said Katz. “It does not have to be Halloween themed. Harrell Dentistry had the tooth fairy scarecrow and Frnka AC had Oh Stros, an Astros themed scarecrow last year. Anything family friendly will be welcomed.”

Steve McCullough, CCHFH board member, noted how the next habitat house is set to be built in Weimar for Nicole Posada and her family, who are currently Eagle Lake residents. Given that the next house is outside Columbus, he feels it is “meaningful” to have Weimar and Eagle Lake participants involved in the scarecrow contest.

“This year, we are excited to have Weimar and Eagle Lake join the Scarecrow Contest,” said McCullough. “It is really meaningful because our newest family, the Posada Family, is from Eagle Lake while the home will be built in Weimar and Columbus is helping the process along.”

Without the support of those within Colorado County, Katz says the CCHFH would not be able to operate in the way it has.

“I want to thank the community for their support,” said the CCHFH Director. “Without them, our mission is not possible. Come out and please engage with the scarecrows and each other, it is fun. It brings levity to our county while bringing our community together.”

The voting for the competition will be through Facebook, allowing everyone, everywhere to cast a vote. Winners will be announced, and prizes will be given during the Third Annual Pumpkin Patch set to be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 602 Walnut Street.