Families, friends, students and co-workers, along with business owners are invited to make whimsical scarecrows that will be placed on display in downtown Dowagiac.

The Scarecrow Contest is being presented by Under the Harvest Moon on Saturday, Oct. 12, an event of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

Now in its third year, Dowagiac’s newest festival celebrates Michigan’s glorious autumn, as day visitors enjoy a glimpse of true Americana.

At the heart of the event will be a display of vintage farm tractors, an open-air marketplace of antiques, fall produce, Michigan handmade products and sweet delicacies, as well as street entertainment and family events.

Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, said two divisions of competition are being offered this year. The public division is open to all ages with entries constructed by individuals, as well as families, classrooms and organizations. A business division is also being presented.

Entry into the contest is free of charge. The festival will award a $50 Universal Dowagiac Gift Certificate to the winner of the public division. The winner of the business division will receive a $200 complimentary ad in Leader Publications, which is co-hosting the competition.

Business owners who would like to order bundles of cornstalks or fall mums for their displays, may place their order with the Chamber of Commerce by Sept. 23.

The festival committee is selling hardy mums for $6 and bundles of cornstalks for $5 each.

Entry forms for the public and business divisions are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 200 Depot Drive, or by calling (269) 782-8212.

Deadline for the public division is Monday, Oct. 7. Deadline for the business division is Sept. 30.

Kim MacGregor of Edward Jones, who is co-chairing the festival with Phillipson, said scarecrow entries should not exceed two feet in width or depth, and should not be more than six feet tall. The whimsical hay-men should be weather resistant and sturdy to be placed on display.

Businesses located within the central business district will display their entries at their front entrances. Companies located outside the downtown and public entries will be displayed on downtown lampposts.

A panel of judges will select the two winning entries, which will be announced the day of the festival. For a complete set of rules and regulations, contact the Chamber.

Vendors of handmade products, antiques and collectibles, along with growers of fall produce who would like to participate in the festival’s open-air marketplace can do so by calling the Chamber at (269) 782-8212.