MUSCATINE, Iowa - Following fall tradition, many local residents are busy creating scarecrows and Jack-o-Lanterns to decorate their own homes for the Halloween season. But there are others in the Muscatine area who are busy shaping their works of Halloween decor for entry into the Muscatine Art Center’s first competition.
Approximately 10 scarecrows and two dozen carved pumpkins will be devilishly displayed on the grounds of the Art Center at 1314 Mulberry between October 29 and November 1. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorites in person while online voting will take place on Facebook. The Jack-o-Lantern and scarecrow with the most votes will win a cash prize.
“The staff began planning the competition in August because there was uncertainty around trick-or-treating and other Halloween related events,” Melanie Alexander, Muscatine Art Center Director, said. “We wanted to offer the community an experience that took place outdoors and allowed families to drop by over a longer period of time compared to a traditional event.”
The Jack-o-Lanterns will be displayed in the Prayer of Peace courtyard while the scarecrows will be installed on the grounds. Visitors are welcome to walk through the displays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 30, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on October 31 and November 1.
In-person voting is encouraged with in-person votes calculated at five times the value of an online vote. To in-person vote, visitors will need to stop by the front desk for voting stickers. Online voting is open on the Muscatine Art Center’s Facebook page from October 29 through November 1.
“There are so many creative individuals and families in our community,” Katy Loos. Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator, said. “We are so excited to see all of entries, especially since this is our first year running the competition.”
Admission to the Muscatine Art Center is free of charge. The Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm donated pumpkins while Latta Pump & Well donated PVC pipe and connectors for the base of the scarecrows.
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events. Please contact Katy, Program Coordinator, with any questions about our upcoming programs at 563-263-8282 or by email at kloos@muscatineiowa.gov.