Fall fun comes to grounds of Muscatine Art Center
by Muscatine Art Center
October 19, 2020

MUSCATINE, Iowa–Following fall tradition, many local residents will busily create scarecrows and jack-o-lanterns to decorate their own homes while others in the Muscatine area prepare to enter their creations in the Muscatine Art Center’s first competition. Approximately 10 scarecrows and two dozen carved pumpkins will go on display at 1314 Mulberry between Oct. 29 and Nov. 1. Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center may 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,” explains Muscatine Art Center Director, Melanie Alexander. “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 adorn the Prayer of Peace courtyard while the scarecrows will dot on the grounds. Visitors may walk through the displays on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Muscatine Art Center encourages in-person voting and will calculate in-person votes at five times the value of an online vote. To vote in person, visitors will need to stop by the front desk for voting stickers. Online voting will take place on the Muscatine Art Center’s Facebook page from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

“There are so many creative individuals and families in our community,” explains Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator, Katy Loos. “We are so excited to see all of entries, especially since this is our first year running the competition.”

Anyone may visit the Art Center for free. The Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm donated pumpkins while Latta Pump & Well donated PVC pipe and connectors for the base of the scarecrows.

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