The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation and Lee County Parks & Recreation invite businesses, non-profits, groups and organizations to sponsor an entry for “Scarecrows in the Park” as part of the annual Lakes Park Fall Festival.

Scarecrows will be on display Oct. 10-31 in the Children’s Garden at Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, as part of the festival.

The theme of the 2025 competition is “The Wild, Wacky, Weird World of Scarecrows in the Park.” Participants are encouraged to design a single-standing scarecrow that is crazy, unusual, silly, scary or strange. Examples include a “Crazy Crow,” “Mad Hatter,” “Scary Witch” or “Strange Creeper.” The possibilities are endless.

Each display will feature the sponsoring business, family or organization’s name to show support for Lakes Park and the Lee County community.

Youth and school groups are also needed to design scarecrows for businesses that choose to sponsor but not build their own. Youth groups receive $50 for supplies. Awards will be presented to the VIP and People’s Choice winners.

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation has organized “Scarecrows in the Park” for 15 years as part of the Lakes Park Fall Festival. Festival activities include a pumpkin patch, hayrides, inflatables and concessions presented by Wheel Fun Rentals, as well as the Halloween Express train ride presented by the Southwest Florida Train Museum.

The deadline for registration is Sept 25. More information or email scarecrows@lakespark.org.

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department through philanthropic and volunteer efforts to enrich Lakes Park and enhance the community’s enjoyment of this natural resource.

More information about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, volunteer opportunities, amenities or special events, website, or call 239-533-7275, or email leeparks@leegov.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram. Residents and visitors can also explore more than 30 sites and earn rewards through Parks, Points & Perks, a free digital pass program available through May 2026 – Learn more.