Congratulations to the Downtown Scarecrow Walk 2025 winners!

JUDGES CHOICE WINNERS

1ST PLACE – MOTHER – Nancy Gawlik

2ND PLACE – JOSH -O- LANTERN – Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission

3RD PLACE – CROW BAR CROW – Sam Helmstetter

PEOPLES CHOICE WINNERS

1ST PLACE – JUNK-IN-THE-BOX – Ladacin Oberlin Access Clients

2ND PLACE – HEAD OVER HEELS FOR GIRL SCOUTS – Troop 60209

3RD PLACE – GOKU – The Landry Family

The Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk 2026

The Scarecrow Walk is once again returning to Downtown Toms River.

Scarecrows are built by members of the surrounding community, where they will be hung for all to see–welcoming in the Fall Season Downtown!

Once the scarecrows are hung, the community is invited to come and vote for their favorite. We also invite spectators to visit during the hang to support participants and see our scarecrow family looking their very best.

Registration is required and must be received by Friday, October 2nd. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR SCARECROW (Please see rules below before completing your registration.)

The Downtown Toms River Scarecrow competition has received coverage from Jersey Shore Online, 105.7 THE HAWK and other notable news and media organizations. Be a part of Downtown Toms River history, where your scarecrow can meet over 20,000 people at our record-breaking Halloween Parade produced by Toms River Fire Co. No.1,

2025 marked the 86TH Annual Halloween Parade: The 2nd largest Halloween Parade in the United States.

Scarecrows Officially Displayed: October 9th to October 23rd

You may remove your entries starting October 24th and all entries must be removed by November 2nd.

How to Win: Categories and Prizes

Winners will be determined in 2 CATERGORIES: People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice

The JUDGE’S CHOICE date will be undisclosed and Judge’s will remain anonymous for fairness.

For the POPULAR VOTE – The public can only vote once – Voting ends Oct 23rd, 2026

Ballots are not valid without a name and working email address. Ballots will be available at participating businesses in Downtown Toms River–Just look for the Scarecrow Walk Poster in their window.

Ballots can be dropped off at the ballot box located at the following location:

The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main , 53 Main St. Toms River

Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St.

As well as, any business with a “VOTE HERE” sign in the window.

Rules:

All entries must be family friendly. Scarecrows that reflect controversial social, religious, or political situations will not be accepted. Downtown Toms River has the right to reject any and all scarecrows they deem offensive or inappropriate.
Each group or individual may enter only one scarecrow.
Scarecrows must remain on display outside officially from October 9th through October 23rd. Scarecrows may remain up for the Halloween Parade on October 31st.
All scarecrows must be picked up by Monday, November 2nd
Scarecrows will be subject to the weather for several weeks. Materials must be firmly attached to the scarecrow. Use materials that will stand up to all weather conditions.
We recommend that you check on your scarecrow periodically to make sure it remains in presentable condition. The better it looks the more votes you will get! If at any time a scarecrow deteriorates due to weather Downtown Toms River reserves the right to remove it.
Winners will also be announced Monday, November 2nd.
Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District is not responsible for any scarecrows on display.

Prizes for Winners 2026

Judges Choice:

First Place – $200.00

Second Place – $150.00

Third Place – $100.00

People’s Choice: (Voting is closed October 23rd, 2026)

First Place – $200.00

Second Place – $150.00

Third Place – $100.00

Eligibility:

The contest is open to all ages and there is no entry fee. Registration is required and must be received by 4:30pm Friday Oct. 2 , 2026.

Businesses, clubs, non-profits, families, students, care-facilities and more, are welcome to participate! All scarecrows are automatically entered into both contests.

It’s a great opportunity to create a festive atmosphere and a great way to get your cause, business, or organization; exposure, funding and support!

Check-In/Delivery of Scarecrow:

-Entrants are responsible for bringing their fully assembled scarecrows to the courtyard in front of Town Hall on Tuesday, October 9th from 2pm-6pm.

-A weatherproof sign with the name of your entry will be provided at check-in. You will then get your location for placement.

-Scarecrows will be affixed to the light posts throughout Downtown. All scarecrows must face in toward the sidewalk and businesses and NOT face the street.

Ballots are not valid without your name and email address. Ballots will be available at participating businesses in Downtown Toms River. Just look for the Scarecrow Walk Poster in their window.

Ballots can be dropped off at the ballot box located at the following location:

The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main , 53 Main St. Toms River

Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St.

As well as, any business with a “VOTE HERE” sign in the window.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR SCARECROW

Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District is not responsible for any scarecrows on display.