Two dozens businesses in downtown Solvang with festive scarecrow creations displayed at their doorsteps all are competing for a chance to win the revered Halloween Harvest Cup, an exclusive, handcrafted trophy awarded for "Valley's Best Scarecrow" at the conclusion of the annual Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest and Contest, which runs through Oct. 31.
Before the trophy can be awarded, six standout scarecrows will be voted winners in six different categories: “Best Scarecrow Photo Op,” “Best Use of Recycled Materials," “Best Use of Business Theme," “Most Danish," “Spookiest" and “Most Humorous."
Local and visiting passersby will determine their favorite scarecrows by voting online at www.syvscarecrows.com.
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Sideways Inn in Buellton displays a grouping of expressive Minion scarecrows on its front lawn as part of the 2020 valleywide Scarecrow Fest and Contest.
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Flea Market Finds located on Alisal Road has the a theatrical scarecrow mockup of Annie and her beloved dog propped up nearby to their shop as part of the 2020 valleywide Scarecrow Fest and Contest.
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Peasants Feast, located at 487 Atterdag Road in Solvang, showcases a skeleton farmer on their property as part of the 2020 valleywide Scarecrow Fest and Contest.
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A scarecrow nun dressed in its habit stands tall in front of Bit O Denmark Bistro & Bar, located at 440 Alisal Road.
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A hula girl complete with a COVID-19 face covering stands in front of High Roller Tiki's shop, 433 Alisal Road in Solvang, as part of the 2020 valleywide Scarecrow Fest and Contest.
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The Royal Copenhagen Inn, at 1579 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang, welcomes a drowsy scarecrow guest ready for a good night's rest on its front lawn as part of the 2020 valleywide Scarecrow Fest and Contest.
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A pair of straw artist residents sit quietly with a paint palette in front of the Thomas Kinkade gallery in downtown Solvang as part of the 2020 valleywide Scarecrow Fest and Contest.
Lisa André covers local news and lifestyles for Santa Ynez Valley News.
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