The 4th Annual NELA Scarecrow Competition returns to the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens October 25 – 29, with area non-profits creating imaginative and fun Halloween displays, celebrity judges, and games in the garden.

Opening Night is Tuesday, October 25, 3:00 – 8:00, and features the Scarecrow displays, a variety of games in the garden, and opportunities for guests to win meals at local restaurants. The family-friendly event begins at 3:00. Museum Director Ralph Calhoun says, "The early start time works great for parents to bring younger children to the garden, before homework and supper time."

Tuesday night, visitors have an opportunity to view and vote for their favorite Scarecrow.

Admission is $5.00 per person.

Each guest will receive one ticket to vote for their favorite display; extra votes can be purchased for $5.00 each.

The evening's high point is the Awards Ceremony at 7:45. Two trophies will be awarded this year, the coveted Greater Ouachita Golden Pumpkin Trophy and a Celebrity Judges award. The winners of each category receive a cash prize. Second and third place finishers in the People's Choice voting will receive plaques. We are excited to announce the Celebrity Judges for 2022 are Ashley Doughty, host of KTVE's Louisiana Living; Sheila Kay Downhour, host of Sunny 98.3 Morning Show; Vitus Shell, Monroe native mixed-media collage painter and La. Tech Professor, and making an early appearance from the North Pole, Santa Claus! The Master of Ceremonies is Sheila Snow, VP of Communication with Discover Monroe-West Monroe.

The previous winners of the Golden Pumpkin Trophy were:
2019 Ronald McDonald House
2020 The Pandemic
2021 Parish Ballet