LJWC & Lemont Township Scarecrow Trail


The LJWC and Lemont Township Scarecrow Trail is an annual scarecrow contest held at the Lemont Township Community Center during September and October. The Lemont community and visitors are encouraged to participate by building a scarecrow and/or voting for their favorite. The Lemont Junior Woman’s Club is grateful for the partnership among our club, the Lemont Juniorettes, and Lemont Township in bringing this wonderful event to the community each fall.


  • Scarecrow Trail Contest Theme: "Stars, Stripes, and Scarecrows: Scarecrows Salute America's 250".
  • 2026 Scarecrow Trail Dates: September 26 - November 1st, 2026 (voting deadline: October 18th)
  • Community Voting: Community scarecrow voting begins September 26 - October 18th, 2026. 
  • Awards:  Cash prizes will be awarded as follows for the most votes in the following categories: 
  • Best Youth/Family Project
  • Best Business Project
  • Best Organization Project


*Winners will be contacted by LJWC prior to October 24th, 2026.  Winning scarecrows will be moved by the Lemont Township to the Village Green for the downtown Lemont Trick or Treating Event on October 24th, 2026, and remain on display there through Nov. 1st.


2026 LJWC and Lemont Township Scarecrow Trail Contest Dates & Information:


Registration:  Online applications (please see below) and payment are due by September 20th, 2026.

Community Voting: Community scarecrow voting begins September 26 - October 18th, 2026. 


Registration Fees:  There is a non-refundable $25 entry fee for families and organizations, and $50 entry fee for businesses (payable by credit card, check, Zelle, or cash).

Scarecrow Pick-up: A six-foot tall wooden frame (in the shape of a cross) is provided to build your scarecrow.  Scarecrow frames are available for pickup now at the Lemont Township and are located outside of the dumpster enclosure located just east of the Lemont Township Center.  Frames are not heavy but fit better in an SUV or larger vehicle. 


Scarecrow Guidelines and Entry Rules:  Please click here.


Scarecrow Drop-off:  Completed scarecrows are due by Friday, September 25th, 2026 by dusk to the Lemont Heritage and Woodland Sanctuary at 16300 Alba Street, Lemont.  LJWC members will be available to help attach scarecrows to installed metal posts along the asphalt path leading to the Township Center on September 24th from 4-6 pm and September 25th from 9-11 am.  Participants are welcome to set up their scarecrow outside of these times on September 24th or 25th as long as their scarecrow is installed by dusk on September 25th (please install your scarecrow where your scarecrow description yard sign has been installed).  Large zip-ties will be available in the plastic ballot holder to use. 


Scarecrow Removal:  Scarecrow items must be removed from the Lemont Heritage and Woodland Sanctuary (and winning scarecrow materials from the Village Green) prior to November 3th, 2026 or they will be discarded by the Lemont Township.

Thank you for supporting LJWC and Lemont Township's Annual Scarecrow Trail!

Please contact ljwcscarecrowtrail@gmail.com with any questions.