Scarecrows on the Square fills Carrollton with creativity and community spirit

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce celebrated a festive autumn tradition with this year’s Scarecrows on the Square contest, drawing a total of 31 entries across five categories. 

Judging took place Sept. 27 with ribbons awarded to the winners at midday. Judges were John Davis and Christopher Shepherd of the Carroll County Foundation and Michele Catlett of Consumers National Bank. 

Hay for the creative displays was donated by Kenneth B. Jenkins of Ballard’s Acres & Excavating. 

Visitors enjoyed treats provided by the Carroll County Convention & Visitors Bureau, including doughnuts from Ulman’s Bakery and breakfast wraps from Miller’s Soft Pretzels. 

The Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #2185 added to the community spirit with a bake sale raising funds for the county’s 2026 fireworks display.

In the family category, first place went to the Lutton family. The classroom/youth category saw Still Fork 4-H Club take first place, Malvern Head Start second and Carroll Hills High School class third. In the political category, Carroll County Board of Elections earned first, followed by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners in second and the Carroll County Auditor’s Office in third. The business category winners were Carrollton Downtown Alley in first, Ace Hardware-Carrollton in second and Clever Quill Bookstore in third. Rounding out the competition, the organization category awarded first place to the Carroll County District Library, second to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and third to Ohio’s Hospice.

The scarecrows will remain on display through Oct. 19, offering plenty of time for residents and visitors to stroll the square and admire the creativity. Participants are reminded to remove their scarecrows Oct. 20 or earlier, leave stakes in place for next year and clean up all debris.