The scarecrows have returned to Historic Smithville Park and Burlington County residents and visitors are invited to vote for their favorites.
Eleven scarecrows were entered into this year’s Burlington County Scarecrow contest and are now on display along Park and Maple Avenues in Historic Smithville Park. Residents and park visitors are invited to vote for their favorite now through the end of this weekend’s Autumn Lands Festival at the park on Saturday, October 24, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Among this year’s entries are scarecrows honoring Betsy Ross, Vincent Van Gogh, and Dolly Parton, along with a witch, Girl Scouts, Willy Wonka, and more.
“The Scarecrow Contest is one of Burlington County’s longtime fall traditions and this year’s entries reflect the outstanding talent and creativity of Burlington County residents, civic organizations, and businesses,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “Make sure to see all 11 entries this week or during Saturday’s Autumn Lands festival and vote for your favorite.”
To vote, visit https://www.burlingtoncountynj.gov/2050/Burlington-County-Scarecrow-Contest . Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three vote recipients, plus a special prize for the top scarecrow honoring America’s 250th Anniversary.
Visitors to Smithville can vote for scarecrows on the premises using a smartphone and the County’s free Wi-Fi service. Look for “Burlco” in your network list and select it to connect. QR codes are located on the signs next to the scarecrows to provide easy access to the voting portal.
This year’s winners will be announced on the Burlington County Parks webpage on Tuesday, October 27.
“Burlington County expanded free public Wi-Fi to Smithville and other County parks so visitors could stay connected and access online services and information,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “It was an important enhancement, and the scarecrow contest is one example of how visitors can use Wi-Fi to access information about Burlington County parks and events.”
Historic Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton and includes Smithville Mansion and several of the remaining structures from Smithville village, a once thriving Victorian-era industrial town where woodworking machines and big wheel bicycles were manufactured. Burlington County purchased the remains of the village in 1975 and remade it into the first County park.
The mansion and one of the former worker cottages host art exhibitions and the park is also the home of the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County and its collection of Black history artifacts and art.
“Burlington County residents and visitors from across the region flock to Smithville because of its unique mix of history, natural beauty, and art,” said Commissioner Eckel. “The fall is a great time to visit the park, and the scarecrows are a great attraction.”
