This fall, downtown New Canaan will take on the glitz and glamour of Hollywood—hay bales and all. From October 14–31, lampposts along Main and Elm will be transformed into a star-studded boulevard as the town celebrates the annual Scarecrow Festival with the theme New Canaan Goes to Hollywood.
Residents, businesses, schools, and community groups are invited to create scarecrows modeled after celebrities and beloved movie characters. From Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress to Superman’s bold cape, from Taylor Swift’s sparkles to Mickey Mouse’s unmistakable ears, the challenge is simple: make it instantly recognizable from the street.
Participation requires purchasing a scarecrow kit, which includes a sturdy PVC frame as the foundation for each star. Families and nonprofits can purchase kits for $40, while businesses can participate for $55. Applications must be completed online.
Completed scarecrows should be dropped off on Monday, October 14, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Elm and South Avenue. Volunteers will then mount them on lampposts throughout downtown, where they will remain on display until Halloween.
Because space is limited and kits often sell out, residents are encouraged to register early through the Inclusive Together website.
The kit includes the pre-glued torso and hip joints, making the frame sturdy enough for October weather. Participants then stuff and dress their scarecrow to bring their chosen character to life.
Organizers recommend weather-resistant materials and lots of zip ties to keep clothing and accessories secure. “Remember, your star will be outdoors for two weeks in New England,” the guide notes. “Think rain, wind, and maybe even a little early snow.”
The key, they say, is choosing a character with one or two unmistakable traits—Harry Potter’s glasses, Elvis’s pompadour, or James Bond’s tuxedo. “One strong feature can make all the difference,” the instructions remind.
The Scarecrow Festival has become a favorite autumn tradition in New Canaan, drawing families downtown to stroll the sidewalks and admire the creativity of neighbors. Visitors will stop to take photos with their favorite stars, sharing the fun on social media and giving downtown merchants a seasonal boost.
“It’s about more than scarecrows,” said one participant. “It’s about community—seeing kids, parents, and businesses all join in to make downtown festive.”
The Hollywood theme adds an extra layer of excitement. Organizers expect to see superheroes, silver-screen legends, and maybe even a few current chart-toppers peering out from their lamppost perches.
Festival Details at a Glance
Theme: New Canaan Goes to Hollywood
Family/Nonprofit Kit: $40
Business Kit: $55
Drop-Off Date: Monday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Elm & South Ave.
Display Dates: Oct. 14–31, 2025
Visit https://inclusive2gether.org/ or contact: scarecrows@newcanaan.org
