Paris Area Chamber Announces 8th Annual Halloween Scarecrow Spooktacular

The Paris Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting individuals, businesses, organizations and clubs to participate in its 8th Annual Halloween Scarecrow Spooktacular, bringing a festive touch of Halloween spirit to the Paris community.

Registration is now open for the 2026 contest, which features three categories: Traditional Scary, Whimsical and Humorous. There was no entry fee, and participants may construct their scarecrows from any material, provided displays are designed to withstand changing autumn weather.

All scarecrow entries must be registered with the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce. The deadline to register was October 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. All displays must also be in place by October 5 at 6 p.m. Winners will be announced October 30.

First-place winners in each of the three categories will receive $50 in Chamber Bucks.

Participants are asked to follow several display guidelines. Scarecrows must stand upright and be secured to approved nearby features, such as trees or lamp poles. Displays should not obstruct pedestrian traffic on sidewalks and should be positioned so they are visible to approaching traffic and pedestrians.

Contestants must provide all materials necessary to display their scarecrows. Commercial scarecrows are not permitted. Downtown business owners are encouraged to participate and may place their displays in front of their storefronts, along with a title and the name of their business or organization.

Participants may not attach anything to a streetlight without permission from the city. Organizations wishing to use a vacant lot must obtain permission to do so.

All entries must be family-friendly. Adult, political or excessively gory displays are prohibited, and the Chamber reserves the right to remove any scarecrow deemed distasteful or in violation of the rules.

By entering the contest, participants agree that the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce may use photographs of their scarecrow displays and announce winners' names for publicity and promotion of future events. Entries must remain on display through October 31, 2026.

For more information or to obtain a registration form, contact the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce at (660) 327-3508 or visit www.parisareachamber.com. The Chamber office is located at 225 N. Main Street, Paris, Missouri 65275.

The businesses that registered were: Monroe County 4-H; TPNB Bank; Fleenor Law Firm; C Finney and R Bollinger; CFM Paris Clinic; Main Street Laundry and Fitness; Cook Disposal; Regional Missouri Bank; Monroe County USDA; and the Monroe County Courthouse.

Photos by Robin Gregg