A barbershop quartet of scarecrows set up in front of Tom’s Barbershop in Greenwood in 2021 for Scarecrow Madness. The fundraiser is back again this year, and people are encouraged to use their creativity to make unique scenes at their homes or businesses.
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Under normal circumstances, scarecrows are designed to keep things away.
But for the past three years, people have been flocking to wildly decorated scarecrows all over Johnson County.
The madness is back again this October. Scarecrow Madness, a fundraising community effort, returns to again turn area yards into elaborately staged scenes of horror, comedy and fun. Not only does the event allow local residents to flex their creativity, but it helps generate money for non-profits and the work of the Delta Lambda chapter of Tri Kappa in Greenwood.
Last year, more than 200 people took part. Organizer Jeanie Cole of Jeanie Cole Realty is hoping to expand it more this year.
“It’s an opportunity to express yourself in front of your community and help with raising funds as well,” she said. “It is affordable and can be a family or business effort. Making people smile and having clean fun in the fall is what it’s all about.”
Throughout the month of October, classic movie monsters and pop culture icons popped up all around Johnson County.
Dog the Bounty Hunter glared at passersby outside of Angie Mardis Bail Bonds. Amelia Earhart and Rosie the Riveter represented the amazing things that women can do.
Captain Jack Sparrow lounged outside The Willard in Franklin. Monsters of all kinds, from the lovable Sully from “Monsters Inc.” to more terrifying horror movie stars such as Jason, Chucky and Freddy Krueger, frolicked in downtown Franklin.
The displays were mapped on a website Cole created, and people could travel around on sightseeing trips to see their favorites.
Cole has been the engine behind Scarecrow Madness, inspired after she discovered a similar community effort while traveling in New Hampshire.
Each year, the town of Chester and the surrounding county features whimsical and creatively decorated scarecrows. The displays are a yearly fundraiser for the Chester Historical Society and bring the entire community around a fun and festive contest — which appealed to Cole, as did the potential to use it locally as a fundraiser for an area nonprofit.
Participants buy a kit that includes a decorated burlap bag head and a stick to mount it on. At that point, it’s time to let their creativity take over.
Last year, displays included TV chef Guy Fieri greeting diners as they come into Ann’s Restaurant in downtown Franklin, and a pair of cheerfully colorful clowns doing tricks for passing traffic at ASSIST Indiana.
Friendly hobo scarecrows gathered around a campfire ring at the corner of State Road 135 and State Road 44. The three witches from “Hocus Pocus” haunted the entrance to Indiana Members Credit Union in Franklin
In 2021, Scarecrow Madness generated $2,810 for area non-profits and charities, Cole said. Last year’s proceeds went to various non-profits through the Greenwood chapter of Tri Kappa, the state-wide philanthropic group that focuses on charity, culture and education, Cole said.
Tri Kappa members helped with the preparation of the event, signing people up and decorating the faces for people who participated. Money generated during the fundraiser went to a number of agencies that the organization supports.
Johnson County Senior Services received $500, and Tri Kappa distributed funding to Warriors of Hope, Care.net, Spectrum Bereavement Ministries, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, and Greenwood elementary and middle schools, among other causes, Cole said.
Cole has been set up at the Greenwood Farmers Market every weekend, scaring up interest and signing people up. Joining her has been this year’s master of ceremonies — Freddie Mercury of Queen.
Due to uncontrollable circumstances, she and her volunteer helpers have not been at the Franklin Farmers Market, but has been situated outside of Carpenter Realtors on Saturday mornings throughout the summer. Participants have also been signing up at Carpenter throughout the week.
The choice of faces (including plain-you paint your own) is on the website. A cost of $25 extra goes for any custom-painted faces.
People can sign up and pay online. They can also pay upon picking up their scarecrow face and supplies.
As an added bonus, Cole introduced a new facet to Scarecrow Madness last year. For a price, people could contact Cole to “crow” a friend or family member’s yard. That person would wake up to find their lawns covered in black plastic crows.
The addition has been popular, and has people buying “crow insurance,” Cole said.
Already, local residents have come up with some intriguing ideas, including street-long displays on King Street in Franklin.
“Carpenter Realtors will be leading the way with their huge display in Franklin, and many scarecrows will dot the businesses on Madison Avenue in Greenwood,” Cole said.
AT A GLANCE
Scarecrow Madness
What: A community event and fundraiser for the Delta Lambda chapter of Tri Kappa in Greenwood that encourages homeowners and businesses to create a unique display with scarecrows.
How does it work? Fill out an entry online or in person at the Greenwood Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays at Greenwood United Methodist Church, 525 N. Madison Ave.; Carpenter Realtors, 3 E. Monroe St., Franklin, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays in front of the office; or during regular business hours at the realty office, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pick up a scarecrow head and stick at those designated locations in September.
Create a display with your scarecrow in your yard or business.
Display outdoors from no later than Oct. 1, and throughout the month of October.
How much does it cost? Scarecrow kits are available for $25 each. The kit includes a burlap-sack head and stick body. If picking up at Carpenter Realtors, cash or check are accepted; no credit card. The choice of faces, including plain you-paint-your-own is on the website. A $25 extra charge is assessed for any custom-painted faces
Where do proceeds go? All of the money generated from the activity will go towards local charities and nonprofits through Tri Kappa.
Information: www.scarecrowmadness.com or contact Jeanie Cole at 317-809-7774.
