Scarecrow Stroll returns to downtown Lexington

The town of Lexington and the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center have teamed up again to bring fall cheer and unique scarecrows to downtown Lexington for the fifth year.

Creative, fun, comical and festive, fall-themed scarecrows will arrive on Lexington’s Main Street from Monday, Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 29, compliments of more than 40 downtown merchants and area businesses.

In the past, businesses celebrated movie themes (e.g., “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Barbie” and “Wicked”) and musical artists like Taylor Swift and Post Malone in their scarecrow designs. The entries have showcased the companies’ unique brands and have been interactive and whimsical.

 “Businesses were eager to participate in this year's initiative, and the telephone inquiries came in mid-September,” said Nina Glisson, the chamber’s visitors center coordinator. “Once the call went out for participants, the scarecrows were quickly sold out. It's exciting to see the community embracing fall fun.”

With the popularity of downtown Lexington and its growth, new businesses have relocated to the area, including The Palmetto Nook and Voodoo Brewing Co.

Vote for your favorite

Lexington’s Scarecrow Stroll stands out with its interactive element: public voting. Businesses compete for the People's Choice Award by showcasing their creative scarecrows. Simply “like” your favorite on the town of Lexington’s Facebook page to cast your vote between Oct. 13-29.

Last year, the Lexington County Coroner’s Office took home the People’s Choice Award for its original “Pumpkin King of Prevention” entry.

A panel of judges will select the "Best Overall" scarecrow. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office was a big winner last year, additionally taking home the award for its “Pumpkin King of Prevention.” This one-of-a-kind scarecrow added to the Main Street fun and promoted safety with a “Nightmare Before Christmas” twist.

Scarecrow exhibit expands

“With the popularity of the scarecrows, we decided to take them further up Main Street to the popular Old Mill Trail,” said Angelle LaBorde, chamber CEO. “The walking trail is popular with residents and families, so several scarecrows will be located on the trail for everyone to enjoy.”

The 1.15-mile Old Mill Pond Trail, which opened last year, circles Lexington Mill Pond with scenic elevation changes, bridges, lookouts and seating areas. It offers a natural retreat in the heart of downtown Lexington, complete with panoramic views of the Old Mill.

Fully paved and accessible to all visitors, the trail includes Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking and three entrances: near Old Mill Brewpub, near Hazelwood Brewery and off South Lake Drive (S.C. Highway 6).

“Lexington's Scarecrow Stroll is a fantastic way to showcase our community's heart and vibrant spirit,” said LaBorde. “Families can create lasting memories while enjoying the creative scarecrows and autumn décor. I encourage everyone to make an outing of it to experience our unique atmosphere, recreational areas and local dining and shopping…

“Anytime we can attract people to downtown, it’s a win-win for local merchants and another opportunity to showcase the businesses that call downtown their home.”

Event maps

Physical copies of the event map will be available in several of the shops and restaurants located on historic downtown Main Street and Lexington’s Old Mill. A digital copy of the map is available on the chamber’s website and via QR Codes posted downtown. 

Chamber and town officials will announce the awards Nov. 10 at the Chamber’s Business Over Breakfast program.

Participating businesses and organizations

• Bald Cypress Builders

• Barrio Tacos

• Big South Site Services

• Caughman Harman Funeral Home

• Century 21 803

• Coldwell Banker Realty

• Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co.

• Davis Frawley Law Firm

• Ember Lexington

• First Community Bank

• Giraffe Marketing

• Guaranteed Rate Affinity

• Heavy Iron Cranes

• Insurance Office of America

• Jan-Pro of Columbia

• Jill Smith and Associates

• Kay Plumbing Heating and Cooling

• Law Office of James R. Snell Jr. LLC

• Lexington County Coroner’s Office

• Lexington County Sheriff's Department

• Lexington Health

• Lexington Police Department

• Lexington School District One

• Lipscomb's Critter Comforts

• Magnolia Layne Events

• Michelin

• Midlands Insurance Center

• Mill & Main Barbershop

• Millcreek Animal Hospital

• Mission Lexington

• Misty Stathos State Farm Agency

• My Optical

• New York Butcher Shoppe Lexington

• Nonnie’s Pops

• O'Hara's Public House

• Old Mill Brewpub

• Paramount Interventions

• Peak Exteriors

• Re/Max Purpose Driven

• Rotary Club of Lexington

• TakoSushi

• The Courage Center

• The Yummy Cakery

• Village Square Theatre

• Vital Nutrition & Chiropractic

• Wild Birds Unlimited-Lexington

• Williams, Stitely & Brink PC