Big Bear Lake Scarecrow Competition
Residents, second homeowners, and businesses are invited to take part in the revival of the Fall Season Scarecrow Competition for cash prizes and more!
Fall is coming to Big Bear, and with it, the revival of the Scarecrow Competition plus a NEW Fall Front Porch Contest! This community event invites everyone to celebrate the season by creating fun and festive scarecrow displays and fall decorations.
Whether you’re a local business, homeowner, or resident, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and add some autumn charm to the Big Bear Valley!
How To Enter
Register in the contest and category of your choice - Scarecrow Competition in the category of Business, Resident, or Homeowner OR the Fall Porch Contest (one category). Once registered, your Scarecrow or Fall Porch display will be added to the official map, making it easy for visitors to find your creation and vote for their favorite.
Registration Deadline - Monday, October 7, 2024
Competition & Voting Dates - October 11 to November 8, 2024
Awards - November 9, 2024, at the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest (time TBD)
Competition Categories
Competition Categories
Scarecrow Contest categories:
- Businesses
- Residents
- Homeowners
Best Fall Porch Decor Contest
- One category for all registrants
Visitor Incentive
Attention Visitors!
If you're in town October 11 through November 8, you can be a voter in the Scarecrow Competition! When you cast your vote, you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for a special getaway package including:
- 2-night lodging certificate valid for March, April, or May 2025
- $100 meal voucher at select Big Bear restaurants
- Tickets to activities based on your selected visit dates (e.g., lake tours, snow play, or guided hikes)
Enjoy the fall season in Big Bear Lake and start planning your return trip for 2025!
Prizes!
Scarecrow Business
- 1st Prize: $2,000 + Annual VBB Membership
- 2nd Prize: $1,000 + Annual VBB Membership
- 3rd Prize: $500
Scarecrow Resident
- 1st Prize: $1,000
- 2nd Prize: $500
- 3rd Prize: Care For Big Bear prize basket
Scarecrow Homeowner
- 1st Prize: $1,000
- 2nd Prize: $500
- 3rd Prize: Care For Big Bear prize basket
Best Fall Porch Decor
- One prize at $1,000
That’s $7,500 in cash prizes, plus special membership and gift basket rewards!
Competition Rules
Competition participants agree to:
- All participants within the City of Big Bear Lake must ensure that their scarecrow or fall decorations comply with City ordinances
- Participants are responsible for maintaining their displays throughout the competition.
- By entering, participants agree to allow Visit Big Bear to use images of their scarecrows for promotional purposes.
How To Vote
Visitors and locals can grab a map from the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center highlighting participating business and homes. Explore the valley, check out the Scarecrows and Fall Porch displays and vote for your favorite in each category. Voting is open to the public and prizes are awarded based on popular vote.
Be a Part of the Fun! This event is more than a competition, it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the beautiful fall season in Big Bear!
Whether you're crafting a scarecrow or simply touring the valley to admire the displays, your presence helps support local businesses.
For more information, call our Visitor Center at 1-800-424-4232.