Event: 34th Annual Scarecrow Contest
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: Judging at 11:00am-12:00pm & Results at 1:00pm
Location: Bates Nut Farm
Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA
Phone: 760-749-3333
Description: Join in the fun by designing and building a scarecrow to exhibit in the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch. Keep the lost art of scarecrow making alive! Your scarecrow will be on display in the Pumpkin Patch through October.
Individuals, groups and clubs are invited to enter; each entry will receive a free jack-o-lantern pumpkin and certificate of participation.
All winning scarecrows become the property of Bates Nut Farm and will be added to our famous scarecrow collection.
Scarecrow Drop Off
Bring your scarecrow and completed registration form to the pumpkin patch from 1-5 pm on Friday, October 10th or before 10am on Saturday, October 11th.
Bring your scarecrow and completed registration form to the pumpkin patch from 1-5 pm on Friday, October 10th or before 10am on Saturday, October 11th.
Prizes
Cash prizes and gift certificates will be awarded to the top entries in each category.
Cash prizes and gift certificates will be awarded to the top entries in each category.
1st Place: $200 and $50 Gift Certificate
2nd Place: $150 and $25 Gift Certificate
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $75
2nd Place: $150 and $25 Gift Certificate
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $75
More Details
All scarecrows will remain on display through October 25th. All winning scarecrows will become the property of Bates Nut Farm and will be added to our Scarecrow Collection.
All scarecrows will remain on display through October 25th. All winning scarecrows will become the property of Bates Nut Farm and will be added to our Scarecrow Collection.
Others may be picked up between 10/25 to middle of day 11/1. If they are not picked up then they will become property of Bates Nut Farm.
SCARECROW SPECIFICATIONS: Your scarecrow can be traditional or a theme of your choice. Please provide zip ties and any materials needed to attach the scarecrow to the designated fence. Remember, scarecrows will be displayed out-of-doors and subject to all weather conditions, so they should be durable and securely attached.
Download Scarecrow Registration Form HERE!
All of the Pumpkin Patch festivities will continue throughout the weekend including the tractor hayrides, straw maze, pony rides, and food.
$10 parking fee weekends only in October. Admission is free.