Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate. Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC

(CAPE MAY, NJ) --  Create your own scarecrow that will take up residence beside others along "Scarecrow Alley" this Halloween season, when the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington Street), are transformed into a spectacle of scary and silly, all original, handmade specters, October 5 to November 2, 2025.

It’s time to make a scarecrow for the 17th Annual Scarecrow Contest presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is underway, and now is the time to rally friends, family, schoolmates and colleagues, or come up with your own idea, for creating a scarecrow. Registration is free. Register your entry and compete for a variety of prizes, with an overall prize of $200 earmarked for the People’s Choice Award given to the creator of the scarecrow that receives the most votes from visitors to the estate in October.

All participants may pick up cross stakes and hay beginning Monday, September 22 at the back of the parking lot on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington Street). Construct your scarecrow at your home or business, or come to the estate during a free, scarecrow building workshop open to all ages, Saturday, October 5, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Cape May MAC supplies the cross stake, hay, some clothing and some “accessories” but people are welcome to bring whatever items they wish to help create their scarecrow. A team of volunteers are available to help as needed.

All entrants will receive a 4-feet-by-4-feet area to decorate, and larger spaces are available upon request. Multiple scarecrows, whimsical characters and miscellaneous props may be displayed. Scarecrows should be non-political and may reflect a special theme or promote your organization or business.

Download an application form and rules from the Halloween page on Cape May MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org. Go to Halloween Happenings/Scarecrow Alley. Submit your registration form and any questions to Cathy Baldacchini:  [email protected].

Participants choose to register in one of five categories: (1) Individuals or Families, (2) Businesses (3) Non-profit, Church, Club, or Scout Troop, (4) School Class, or (5) Munchkin (children ages 3-10).

Scarecrows may be dropped off beginning September 29. All entries will be displayed from October 5 to November 2. 

Cape May MAC will create signs for your scarecrow display that include your scarecrow’s name, your name, business, school, organization or affiliation.

 Visitors to the Physick Estate will be encouraged to vote for their favorite scarecrow by filling out a ballot in the Carriage House. Friends and family members are encouraged to visit the estate and vote for their favorites.

Winners will be notified on Friday, November 7. Prizes include a People’s Choice Award of $200 for the scarecrow with the most votes, $100 in the individual/family category, a display ad on Cape May MAC’s website in the business category, a pizza party for the winning non-profit, community or scout group, and for the winning “munchkin” entry and 10 of his or her friends, and a pizza party and free Cape May Lighthouse climb for the winning school group.

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors.  Cape May MAC is committed to making its programs accessible to as many individuals as possible. If you require assistance, please call 609-884-5404 in advance so they may accommodate you. New Jersey Relay Center for TTY customers, please call 711 (800-852-7899).