Voting is Open for ABB Scarecrow Contest
By Julie Perine on October 11, 2024
If you’ve traveled Main Street, Bridgeport over the past couple of days, you may have encountered a die-hard Mountaineer fan, a buffalo, a chicken and a couple dozen other characters poised for the Halloween season. The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport Scarecrow Display is underway and starting today, voting is open.
“It’s that time of year again when driving or walking down Main Street brings a smile to your face,” said ABB President Jaclyn Rominger. “Each year more and more businesses are participating. The level of community involvement in Bridgeport is just amazing!”
A gallery featuring all scarecrows is below. Votes can be cast at the poll located to the right of this page and every Connect-Bridgeport page. From your mobile device, the poll is located below. Scroll until you see it.
The scarecrow receiving the most votes will be awarded the ABB's traveling plaque which can be displayed at the business until next year's contest. Taking the honor in 2023 was Ford Funeral Home.
Heading up this year's Scarecrow Display - the 14th annual - is Hilary Gonzalez, ABB treasurer and Real Estate & Closing Manager for Kaufman Realty & Auctions WV.
"The ABB really enjoys this event because our businesses truly have so much fun participating in it," Gonzalez said. "Personally, it has been such a pleasure overseeing it because of the sheer excitement it brings to the businesses designing their scarecrows and the community participation in not only viewing the scarecrows but voting on them as well. And boy, does creativity get better every year!"
In addition to the people’s choice award, a winner will be chosen by a panel of judges comprised of non-partial ABB members. Last year, Bridgeport Parks & Recreation received that honor.
Although winners will be named, the main purpose of the display is to create a whimsical downtown corridor for people to enjoy.
“It’s all just done in fun. There’s no big prize, but the winners do get their business name and a photo of their winning scarecrow posted on a traveling plaque – and they are able to display that plaque in their business until the following year’s contest,” Gonzalez said.
Voting takes place on Connect-Bridgeport beginning today, Friday., Oct. 11, and ending Oct. 30. The winners will be announced Oct. 31. The rules of the contest are one vote per person. Voters must be registered users of the Connect-Bridgeport website. To create an account, simply choose the "Sign Up" tab on the top of the page. Each registered user may cast just one vote. (This is a friendly competition between businesses and a fun activity for residents. Please don't try to manipulate the system and cast more than one vote each.)
All displays must be removed by Nov. 4, except for the winning scarecrows, which will remain on display through Nov. 6. Plaques will be awarded at Light up Night, Thurs., Dec. 5.
Click on the gallery link to view the scarecrows and cast your vote on the poll.
The scarecrow display has continually grown since it began in 2011.
This year, for the first time, "Trick or Treat with the Scarecrows" will take place 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Kids and heir family members will walk a designated path along Main Street sidewalks, collecting candy at each scarecrow. Crosswalks will be manned by members of Bridgeport Police Department. Also during that time, a Trunk or Treat will be held in the Hempworks party lot, hosted by T-Mobile. Expressions Hair Designs has created a seasonal photo op in front of the salon where pictures can be taken to commemorate the event. Also during 5-7 p.m., a party will be held at the Benedum Civic Center to round out a festive evening.
The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport is an active organization which focuses on connecting Bridgeport businesses and building a strong business community. Any business which pays business and occupation tax in the City of Bridgeport is eligible for membership in the ABB by paying $95 annual dues and filling out paperwork. Contact Gonzalez at hilary@kaufmanrealty.com or 304-677-1970. Membership includes participation in the annual Scarecrow Contest, Light Up Night and Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival.
