The scarecrows are back, and better than ever.
They’re following the Yellow Brick Road dressed as the characters from “The Wizard of Oz” in downtown Franklin, and yabba-dabba-doing it as Fred and Wilma Flintstone in Greenwood.
Scarecrows dressed as witches, ghosts, goblins and skeletons have overrun homes, while more friendly versions — welcoming churchgoers, superheroes, even Elvis Presley — now take up residence around the county.
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The second annual Scarecrow Madness has returned to Johnson County, coming to life on lawns, outside of local businesses and in front of area churches. More than 180 people have signed up in 2020, an increase from the nearly 140 who participated during the inaugural year in 2019.
The campaign benefits Johnson County Senior Services and construction of its new building, with the potential to assist other local agencies and organizations as well, said Jeanie Cole, Franklin realtor and organizer of Scarecrow Madness. The scarecrows will be up throughout the month of October, and gives people a chance to show off their creativity and sense of humor.
Cole believes Scarecrow Madness will only continue to grow.
“It’s so thrilling to see it grow,” she said. “There are so many positive aspects to this fundraiser. It’s an event that creates a whole months of smiles.”
Creativity welled up at homes around the county this year, as people showed off their imaginations with clever designs and ideas of all kinds.
Mario and Luigi are chased by ghosts and run around a castle in one front-yard scene. E.T. seems to fly while riding on his friend Elliott’s bicycle. Phoebe, the bohemian guitar player from “Friends,” sits on a stool inside the entrance to Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza in Greenwood.
Some of the most iconic characters in pop culture history are represented — the Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, Charlie Brown, Lucy Ricardo.
“It brings all of our communities together,” Cole said. “And the communities outside of Johnson County are invited to travel to our county. Eat, shop, visit friends and enjoy our classic event.”
Cole has been the driving force behind Scarecrow Madness, inspired after encountered 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.
She chose Johnson County Senior Services; she is a member of the Johnson County Council on Aging, Partners in Healthcare and Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults. Johnson County Senior Services provided invaluable resources to the community, including free transportation for medical appointments, errands and other needs. The organization is building a new headquarters and raising money for that project as well.
Cole started the fundraiser in her garage, making burlap heads as people ordered them. In the first year of the fundraiser, more than 150 scarecrow kits were sold, raising more than $3,000 for Johnson County Senior Services.
This year, volunteers from Johnson County Senior Services, members of Tri Kappa sorority in Greenwood, Carpenter’s Realtors, Cole’s real estate staff and other friends and clients helped raise awareness and put the scarecrow effort together.
Participation increased 30% from 2019, while activity on the Scarecrow Madness website jumped 363%. More than 300 people have signed up to a specified Facebook where members can share their designs.
“Of the 185 who signed up this year, only 21 are the same from last year. The others are all new,” Cole said.
An interactive map set up online allows people to find the scarecrows around them, as well as discover the more unique ones set up around the county. A Scarecrow Selfie Hunt — a scavenger hunt with clues pointing towards 15 locations — is a new addition to generate even more excitement.
“People have really gotten into it,” Cole said.
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Scarecrow Madness
What: A community event and fundraiser for Johnson County Senior Services that encourages homeowners and businesses to create a unique display with scarecrows.
When: Through Oct. 31
Where: All over Johnson County
How to find them: Go to ScarecrowMadness.com to see a map of all the entries. A Facebook group, facebook.com/groups/scarecrowmadness, is also set up to share photos.
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What: A contest taking people all throughout Johnson County to find 15 different scarecrows
How to play:
1. Read the clues at ScarecrowMadness.com to find a specific scarecrow on the map.
2. Find that scarecrow location. Some scarecrows are inside.
3. Take a selfie of you and the scarecrow. Wear a mask when required!
4. Send all selfies in to: [email protected]
When: Submissions must be received by Oct. 23.
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